Villain Archetypes

LITERARY VILLAINY

VILLAIN ARCHETYPES:

Behind most of the compelling movies and literary works we admire, is an ineradicable character opposing the protagonist and driving the conflict. That is the Villain. In nearly all cases, the evildoers fall into certain categorizations termed “Villain Archetypes”. “The most interesting villains are not completely evil. They have a soft spot for puppies or they write cheesy love poems. Contrary personality traits add depth and realism to all characters.”

- Melissa Donovan

Some of the most widespread types are as follows:

▪ E x t e r n a l V il l ain s

Th e S y m p a t h e t ic V i lla in is a villain with ‘hero’ traits. Some meritorious characteristics are affixed to the character’s personality making him more relatable and human. The degree of similarity between the villain and the hero can differ, but it remains identifiable. For instance, Sherlock and Moriarty are both geniuses. Still, their beliefs and senses of morality are contradictory. Besides, a sympathetic villain always has a tragic backstory that justifies his wickedness.

“The contrast between hero and opponent is powerful only when both characters have strong similarities.”

—K. M. Weiland

Th e A lt r u i st i c V i lla in: A l t h o u g h this villain tends to fight for freedom, justice, or another commendable cause, he is bewitched by his vision to the extent of making significant sacrifices to that end. By way of illustration, an altruistic villain may engage in mass killing in order to save the planet, thinking that the human race only makes the world a terrible place. A good example is found in the X-Men comic books and movies. After witnessing how outrageous humans can be, Magneto ventures to eradicate all humans so as to save the mutants.

The Monster is non-human. It could be an alien or a supernatural being. This villain is mostly found in the science fiction or horror genres and cannot be reasoned with. The Machine is analogous to the monster. Still and all, it is a technological construct that is insensitive to pain, fear, and emotion. For the most part, this type is found in science-fiction thrillers.

The Evil Incarnate portrays the embodiment of evil and serves as a hindrance to the hero’s journey. It is essentially found in superhero and fantasy genres. Amongst others, Sauron from The Lord of the Rings and the Joker from The Dark Knight elucidate efficiently this archetype.

The Mastermind superintends a devilish plan. This type is a competent schemer who strives to vanquish the protagonist mentally. Lex Luthor from the Superman series falls into this category.

Th e K i ll e r is a requisite for crime fiction. In Stephen King's Bill Hodges trilogy, Brady Hartsfield (Mr. Mercedes) obtains gratification from the anguish of his victims. The Bully habitually ill-treats or torment those who appear to be vulnerable. This type is sometimes characterized by a backstory intending to delineate the oppressive inclination. Other times, there are no solid grounds for tyrannical conduct. ▪ I n t e r n a l Vi l l a in s

The protagonist’s opposition doesn’t always originate from an external source. Sometimes, it emanates from within. One might as well say that the real opponent is one’s self. Internal conflicts differ from one character to another. Substantially, these include:

• Something dark in the past

• A repetitive or past mistake

• Unimpeded emotion

• Over confidence …