They finally had enough.
"All my life, I was adored when I was perfect and scorned when I struggled. And all my life, all I wanted was someone who would comfort me when things went wrong. Someone who would love me no matter how imperfect I was.
"But I never had that. I will never have that. And now all of you have the gall to expect me to be that for you. You, strangers, nobodies for whom I've already given everything. Given everything, and received nothing!"
In a swift movement, they unsheathed their sword, and threw it onto the cobblestones at their feet. It came to rest with a mournful clatter. The crowd flinched back.
"If this is what it means to be a hero, then maybe I'll be a villain instead."