Lost is filled with some amazing characters. While most people remember the show for its intriguing mysteries, it was the characters that kept fans coming back throughout the years. The core cast was obviously amazing, but Lost also did something very tricky - it introduced new characters that proved just as interesting, complex, and ultimately beloved as the core established cast.
One of these characters was Desmond Hume. Introduced in the second season (but not becoming a main character until the third), Desmond proved an instant hit with audiences. And that may be down to his tragic storyline, which proved just as sad and investing as any other.
His Crazy Ability (& The Resulting Responsibilities)
There was one thing that helped Desmond stand out from the pack, and that was his ability to mentally project himself through different time periods. As was proven in The Constant (perhaps Lost's most beloved episode), this ability has dire and potentially fatal consequences.
It's obviously an annoying (if handy) trait to have, but it also comes with a wide swath of responsibilities - most of them incredibly stressful. For example, Desmond must continuously decide whether to save Charlie, let him die, or let him know about his upcoming death.
Attacked By Ben
Season five is perhaps Lost's most ambitious. It also contains a very tragic subplot regarding Desmond and Penny. At the end of season four, Desmond finally made his way off the island and reunited with Penny. He hoped to settle down with the love of his life, and they even got married and had a baby named Charlie.
Unfortunately, the island got in the way. He traveled to London to find Eloise and was then attacked by Ben, who shot Desmond and attempted to shoot Penny. Desmond is completely unable to find peace and security - even after getting off the island and starting a family.
Dishonorably Discharged
Perhaps Desmond's biggest flaw is his complete inability to find peace or contentment. He jumps from job to job and place to place, and his endless place-hopping eventually led him to the military.
After Desmond breaks up with Penny, he enters the Royal Scots Regiment and climbs the ladder to lance-corporal. Unfortunately, even this prosperous career opportunity ended in disaster when he proved unreliable, was thrown in a military garrison and was dishonorably discharged.
His Lack Of Confidence
A major barrier between Desmond and Penny is Desmond's economic standing. It's clearly established that Desmond is poor and unemployed, which is one of the reasons that Charles Widmore (Penny's father) condescends and looks down upon Desmond.
His economic status crushes his confidence and self-worth, and it eventually leads to deep feelings of inferiority and insecurity. These oppressive feelings result in Desmond breaking up with Penny, as he feels as though he isn't "good enough" for her.
Rejected By Charles
Everything leads back to Charles Widmore. Like any prospective son-in-law, Desmond wishes to be viewed upon by Charles in a positive light. He even goes to Charles to ask for Penny's hand in marriage - a "noble gesture" (as Charles says) that proves Desmond's respect for his future father-in-law.
Unfortunately, Charles has nothing but contempt for Desmond. While he's kind enough to offer Desmond a job in his company, he isn't shy about voicing his hatred for Desmond and how worthless he finds him as a person.
Breaking Up With Penny
Desmond breaks up Penny, even though it's clear that it destroys him to do so. He doesn't necessarily want to break up with her, and he clearly still adores her.
It's just that his recent talk with Charles Widmore had planted some particularly nasty thoughts within his head, and it led him into thinking that he wasn't good enough for Penny. He calls it off in one of the series' saddest and most tragic scenes and does what he does best - he runs away to something else. In this case, it's the military.
His Relationship With Penny
Desmond breaking up with Penny leads to some widespread and complex repercussions. It's obvious that they still love each other, but Penny wishes to move on from the heartbreak and Desmond wishes to retain some semblance of personal honor.
As a result, Penny gets engaged and Desmond trains to compete in Widmore's sailing race. The scene in the stadium, in which Desmond and Penny confront each other, is a devastating one. Fans understand both of their perspectives for wanting to move on, but they also understand that Desmond and Penny are meant to be together.
His Aimless Life
Desmond never stayed in one place for very long. The reasons for leaving varied, but the fact remains that Desmond is not a happy, or a particularly secure, individual.
First, he runs away from Ruth and enters monkhood, but he's kicked out by Brother Campbell. Then came the Penny-Widmore debacle. Then he entered the Royal Scots and was later kicked out. Then he tried his hand at sailing. It's clear that Desmond has no mooring - aside from a life with Penny. As he tells Penny, "God allegedly has bigger plans for me."
Trapped In The Hatch
Even Desmond's sailing attempt turns disastrous when he crashes in a storm and washes up on the island.
Unfortunately, this led to the worst part of Desmond's life. He was forced to live in the Swan station with Kevin, believing the outside air to be toxic and fatal. He was literally and figuratively trapped in the hatch - unable to leave, unable to call for help, unable to see or talk to Penny, and stuck typing numbers into a computer every 108 minutes.
Contemplating Suicide
Desmond's crushing time in the hatch eventually leads him to contemplate suicide. It's established that Desmond is a huge Charles Dickens fan and that he intends on making Our Mutual Friend the last book he reads before he dies.
He opens the book in the hatch, presumably because he intends on killing himself after completing it. It's Desmond at his absolute lowest, and it's made even worse by Penny's loving letter in which she declares that she will "wait for him." Luckily, Desmond's prayers are answered when Locke bangs on the hatch door.