You lost me here. My understanding was that Big Pharma was Corporate America, not the US Gov. Is it really relevant to the plot that his "employer" be revealed? Perhaps your story could take on a "Star Chamber" vibe, where unidentified pillars of the community (Doctors, Lawyers, Judges, Business men, Etc.) meet to decide right and wrong for themselves outside the law, and use the services of your hit man character to dispense their own brand of "Justice". The names and identities of the "Members" never actually need be revealed if the story is about your trigger man and not the members of the secret council. It would depend on WHO he has a contract on, that would make him a savior of society or not, wouldn't it? If he is contracted to dispose of child molesters, rapists and terrorists that have evaded justice in the courts, he could be a type of dark hero/vigilante almost.
I would give him a strong sense of in-group out-group. That would give lots of opportunities to endear him to the reader, but still allow him to mercilessly slaughter when it's called for.
This is the way to go imo. Look at a character like Tony Soprano -- not many people can identify with running an organized crime syndicate. What they can identify with is his family issues, relationships, and day-to-day life. Your character may be a monster in his actions, but if you can portray him as someone who struggles with everyday hurdles -- people will relate to him.
You would have to give him a personality trait that most people like. Have you ever met someone that everyone hated but for some reason that person made you laugh? They are obnoxious, but you can't help but want to listen to the next words that come out of their mouth? That's what you have to do with bad guys. Let them be bad, but make them interesting...they can still have a sense of humor and be a bad guy. But, that sense of humor is going to take them a very long way in the hearts of your reader.
One way is to make him a victim of circumstances or ignorance. 1. Loved ones are hostages 2. Has a brain implant which they inflict pain to force him 3. Believes he is actually saving lives 4. Suffers from MPD 5. Has been brainwashed ==================================== Example of other reasons: In the film "The Professional" the hit man becomes likable various reasons 1. He doesn't kill women or children 2. He goes out of his way to help a girl 3. He is educationally deprived 4. He targets mobsters In short, the hit man we sympathize with has to have redeeming qualities with which we, as have been already mentioned, can identify.
^ That's not all. Look at Kira, from Death Note. This particular guy(he isn't a hitman, exactly, but similar) kills purse snatchers and people who jump the turnstile at the subway. His successors also kill old people and lazy people. He also happens to have a god complex. So:delusional god and wanton killer. Why do we like him? Because of his intentions and craftiness. He kills to make the world a better place, and his craftiness is simply superb and very hooking(as you can see as he goes on a scheme spree).
