One popular concept of the "villain", meant to mimic the purposely distinctive visage of villains, initially from the stage plays of the 1880s.

A villain is an "evil" character in a story, whether an historical narrative or, especially, a work of fiction. The villain is the bad guy, the characters who fight against the hero. A female villain is sometimes called a villainess. Random House Unabridged Dictionary defines villain as "a cruelly malicious person who is involved in or devoted to wickedness or crime; scoundrel; or a character in a play, novel, or the like, who constitutes an important evil agency in the plot."^[1] Bad Guy (2002) is a South Korean film by director Kim Ki-duk about a man who traps a woman into prostitution, then becomes protective of her. ... The Mad Doctor was a classic Mickey Mouse cartoon released in 1933. ... Villain can refer to: a villain, an evil character Villain (1971 film), a British crime/drama film The Villain, a 1979 sendup of western films Villain (2003 film), an Indian romantic film Villain (2007 film), an American comedy/action claymation film Villains (Buffy episode), an episode of the TV series... Image File history File links Villianc. ... Image File history File links Villianc. ... // Development and commercial production of electric lighting Development and commercial production of gasoline-powered automobile by Karl Benz, Gottlieb Daimler and Maybach First commercial production and sales of phonographs and phonograph recordings. ... For other uses, see Evil (disambiguation). ... This article is about the study of the past in human terms. ... For other uses, see Fiction (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Hero (disambiguation). ...

Word origin

Look up villain in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

French villains in the 15th century.

The etymology of the word is probably Middle English villein from Old French villain, in turn from Late Latin villanus, meaning serf or peasant, someone who is bound to the soil of a villa, which is to say, worked on the equivalent of a plantation in late Antiquity, in Italy or Gaul.^[2] Consequently, it meant a person of less than knightly status, and so came to mean a person who was not chivalrous; because many unchivalrous acts, such as treachery or rape, are villainous in the modern sense, and because the word was used as a term of abuse, it took on its modern meaning. A villain can also be a supporter of Aston Villa Football Club, founded in 1874 and an original member of the 1st division although this is more frequently spelled Villan.^[3] Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Wiktionary (a portmanteau of wiki and dictionary) is a multilingual, Web-based project to create a free content dictionary, available in over 150 languages. ... Download high resolution version (1433x1610, 151 KB)Villains before going to Work receiving their Lords Orders. ... Download high resolution version (1433x1610, 151 KB)Villains before going to Work receiving their Lords Orders. ... Etymologies redirects here. ... Middle English is the name given by historical linguistics to the diverse forms of the English language spoken between the Norman invasion of 1066 and the mid-to-late 15th century, when the Chancery Standard, a form of London-based English, began to become widespread, a process aided by the... A villein is, in the feudal system, a member of the class of serfs tied to the land, distinguished from those in actual slavery, but restricted by law from exercising the rights of a free man. ... Old French was the Romance dialect continuum spoken in territories corresponding roughly to the northern half of modern France and parts of modern Belgium and Switzerland from around 1000 to 1300. ... For other uses, see Latin (disambiguation). ... Costumes of Slaves or Serfs, from the Sixth to the Twelfth Centuries, collected by H. de Vielcastel, from original Documents in the great Libraries of Europe. ... In a detail of Brueghels Land of Cockaigne (1567) a soft-boiled egg has little feet to rush to the luxuriating peasant who catches drops of honey on his tongue, while roast pigs roam wild: in fact, hunger and harsh winters were realities for the average European in the... This article is about crop plantations. ... Bors Dilemma - he chooses to save a maiden rather than his brother Lionel Chivalry[1] is a term related to the medieval institution of knighthood. ... Aston Villa redirects here. ...

Folk and fairy tales

Baba Yaga often acts as a villain in Russian fairy tales

Vladimir Propp, in his analysis of the Russian fairy tale, concluded that a fairy tale had only eight dramatis personae, of which one was the villain,^[4] and his analysis has been widely applied to non-Russian tales. The actions that fell into a villain's sphere were: Baba Yaga, by Ivan Bilibin File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Baba Yaga, by Ivan Bilibin File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Yaga can refer to: Yajna (Hindu mythology) Baba Yaga (Russian mythology) Yaga (clothing company) This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Vladimir Propp Vladimir Yakovlevich Propp (Russian: ; 29 April [O.S. 17 April] 1895 & mdash; 22 August 1970) was a Russian structuralist scholar who analysed the basic plot components of Russian folk tales to identify their simplest irreducible narrative elements. ... A fairy tale is a story, either told to children or as if told to children, concerning the adventures of mythical characters such as fairies, goblins, elves, trolls, giants, and others. ... A fairy tale is a story, either told to children or as if told to children, concerning the adventures of mythical characters such as fairies, goblins, elves, trolls, giants, and others. ... Dramatis personae is a Latin phrase (literally the persons of the drama) for the characters in the plot of a play, and is used to refer collectively to the characters represented in a dramatic work (various forms of theater, but also on screen) to be played by the acting cast...

• a story-initiating villainy, where the villain caused harm to the hero or his family,
• a conflict between the hero and the villain, either a fight or other compeitition
• pursuing the hero after he has succeeding in winning the fight or obtaining something from the villain.

None of these acts must necessarily occur in a fairy tale, but when they occurred, the character that performed them was the villain. The villain therefore could appear twice: once in the opening of the story, and a second time as the person sought out by the hero.^[5]

When a character performed only these acts, the character was a pure villain. Various villains also perform other functions in a fairy tale; a witch who fought the hero and ran away, which let the hero follow her, was also performing the task of "guidance" and thus acting as a helper.^[6]

The functions could also be spread out among several characters. If a dragon acted as villain but was killed by the hero, another character -- such as the dragon's sisters -- might take on the role of villain and pursue the hero.^[7]

Two other characters could appear in roles that are villainous in the more general sense. One is the false hero; this character is always villainous, presenting a false claim to be the hero that must be rebuted for the happy ending.^[8] Among these characters are Cinderella's stepsisters, chopping off parts of their feet to fit on the shoe.^[9] Another character, the dispatcher, sends a hero on his quest. This may be an innocent request, to fulfill a legitimate need, but the dispatcher may also, villainously, lie to send a character on a quest in hopes of being rid of him.^[10] The false hero is a stock character in fairy tales. ... Gustave Dorés illustration for Cendrillon Cinderella (French: Cendrillon) is a popular fairy tale embodying a classic folk tale myth-element of unjust oppression/triumphant reward. ...

The necessary villain

Darth Vader, one of the most iconic villains in film history, makes his entrance in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.

A villain (similar to, but distinct from, an antagonist) is a necessary foil to the hero (who is similar to, but distinct from, the protagonist). While heroes (those who stand on the side of righteousness and good) are often forced to respond to outside stimuli acting upon them and do not have a lot of latitude in how they respond, for villains, most, if not all, paths are wide open. Still shot from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. ... Still shot from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. ... Darth Vader is the central character in the Star Wars universe. ... This movie poster for Star Wars depicts many of the films important elements, such as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, X-Wing and Y-Wing fighters Star Wars, retitled Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope in 1981 (see note at Title,) is the original (and in chronological... For other uses, see Antagonist (disambiguation). ... A protagonist is the main figure of a piece of literature or drama and has the main part or role. ...

Others point out ^{[citation needed]} that many acts of villains have a hint of wish-fulfillment fantasy, which makes some people identify with them as characters more strongly than with the heroes. Because of this, a convincing villain must be given a characterization that makes his or her motive for doing wrong convincing, as well as being a worthy adversary to the hero. As put by film critic Roger Ebert: "Each film is only as good as its villain. Since the heroes and the gimmicks tend to repeat from film to film, only a great villain can transform a good try into a triumph."^[11] For other uses, see Fantasy (disambiguation). ... Characterization is the process of conveying information about characters in fiction or conversation. ... Often interpreted as relational to Sigmund Freuds psychoanalytic theory and unconscious or subconscious motive theories, base motives have value in understanding action. ... Roger Joseph Ebert (born June 18, 1942) is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American film critic. ...

The evil genius villain

The Evil Genius is an archetype or even a caricature that is a recurring staple in certain genres of fiction, particularly comic books, spy fiction, action films and cartoons. The evil genius serves as a common adversary and foil of the hero. For other uses, see Archetype (disambiguation). ... For the book of comics by Daniel Clowes see Caricature (Daniel Clowes collection) A caricature of film comedian Charlie Chaplin. ... A genre [], (French: kind or sort from Greek: γένος (genos)) is a loose set of criteria for a category of literary composition; the term is also used for any other form of art or utterance. ... A comic book is a magazine or book containing the art form of comics. ... For the video game, see Spy Fiction (video game). ... Look up Action film in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... For other uses, see Cartoon (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Hero (disambiguation). ...

As the term suggests, evil geniuses are characters of great intelligence who choose to use their knowledge for antisocial ends. Their schemes often hinge on mundane details that heroes can exploit, foiling their plots at the climax of the story. For other uses, see Hero (disambiguation). ...

Origins

Evil geniuses have commonly had difficult childhoods. Normally, this is used to contrast them from superheroes. It implies that there is nothing different from the hero, and the villain, except a single choice. Evil geniuses often come from poor or impoverished backgrounds but have fought their way to the top and put on an aura of sophistication so that no one will suspect their humble beginnings.

Characteristics

The evil genius is different from the mad scientist, in that the mad scientist tends to be amoral, rather than evil. An Evil Genius is generally a clever schemer, while the Mad Scientist typically pursues scientific knowledge with no regard for the consequences. A mad scientist might create an army of zombies, just to see if it is possible, but an evil genius would have a diabolical use for this army, and a plan to escape the town without being killed (a reason for which mad scientists are often found in the employ or working in concert with an evil genius). They LAUGHED at my theories at the institute! Fools! Ill destroy them all! Caucasian, male, aging, crooked teeth, messy hair, lab coat, spectacles/goggles, dramatic posing — one popular stereotype of mad scientist. ...

Hubris is a common characteristic among evil geniuses, so much so that they often boast of their grand designs to their adversary, or otherwise compromise their plots in a moment of overconfidence. Hubris or hybris (Greek ), according to its modern usage, is exaggerated self pride or self-confidence (overbearing pride), often resulting in fatal retribution. ...

It is very common in American films for the cunning villain to be British or French. See Ethnic stereotypes in American media — British and — French. DJs dad from the show Thugaboo: Sneaker Madness is portrayed as an overly proper White American This article discusses the various stereotypes of Europeans/Whites present in Western societies. ...

Getting good help

Evil geniuses frequently employ inept henchmen, who equally frequently help foil their plans, whether intentionally or not. The word Henchman referred originally to one who attended on a horse, that is, a groom. ...

Conversely, evil geniuses just as frequently employ a highly competent and trusted lieutenant (or similar analogue) who will eventually (A) be defeated by the hero (despite the lieutenant's ostensibly superior skill and/or intellect), (B) ally themselves with the hero, or (C) betray the evil genius at the last minute in order to save themselves or usurp their master's position. This character's main function is usually to do jobs or undertake missions which the villain is unwilling or unable to do. For example, a brilliant but physically frail villain might employ a strong-man as his lieutenant, or a suave and high-class villain might employ a lieutenant to do the "dirty work" of killing people and executing plans. The trusted lieutenant sometimes has a gimmick, power or ability that sets them apart as uniquely suited for the villain's mission, (i.e. Scarecrow's position within Gotham's legal system in Batman Begins), or as the hero's evil counterpart, (i.e. Sabertooth matched against Wolverine). For other uses, see Hero (disambiguation). ... This article deals with the Scarecrow of DC Comics. ... For the novel based on the film, see Batman Begins (novelization). ... Sabretooth (Victor Creed) is a Marvel Comics character, an arch-enemy of the X-Men’s Wolverine. ... For other uses, see Wolverine (disambiguation). ...

Other types of villain

Note that, as mentioned above, a villain's disposition towards evil distinguishes them from an antagonist. For example, Javert in Les Miserables is an antagonist: he opposes the hero, but does so by such means and under such pretexts as not to become entirely odious to the reader. Note also that a villain may repent, be redeemed, or become in league with the hero. Sometimes, a villain may even appear as the protagonist of a story, while the hero who opposes them may be the antagonist. For other uses, see Antagonist (disambiguation). ... Les Misérables is an 1862 novel by the famous French novelist Victor Hugo, set in the Parisian underworld. ...

• Anti-hero – Not necessarily a villain, an anti-hero is a character with villainous or generally negative behaviour and often advances selfish or ignoble goals but most often fights alongside the "good guys" or is considered a protagonist. The anti-hero may violate the law or the prevailing social standards, but may nevertheless has the audience's sympathy (and may be or become good-hearted). Sometimes, they may be heroes with noble goals but have villain-like or uncouth personal qualities. Often considered "grey" characters due to their moral ambiguity. Also, an anti-hero is someone who although is the protagonist of the story, shows traits which are in contrast to those of the traditional hero, such as cowardice.
• Anti-villain– Basically the opposite of an anti-hero. While the anti-hero often fights on the protagonist's team, but with selfish motives, the anti-villain plays a villain's game, but for what's at least in his eyes a noble cause. They may be personally more noble or heroic than an anti-hero but the means to achieve their ends are often considered immoral, unjust, even evil. Sometimes they may simply be a villain with gentlemanly qualities or a code of honor or some sense of justice. Often considered "grey" characters due to their moral ambiguity.
• Archenemy – the main and greatest foe of the hero. For example, The Joker is Batman's archenemy.
• Dark Lord – a villain of near-omnipotence in his realm, who seeks to utterly dominate the world; he is often depicted as a diabolical force, and may, indeed, be more a force than a personality, and often personifies evil itself.^{[citation needed]} The effects of his rule often assert malign effects on the land as well as his subjects. Besides his usual magical abilities, he often controls great armies. Most Dark Lords are male, except in parody.^[12]
• Evil twin – a character which is identical or almost identical to the hero, but is evil instead of good.
• Femme fatale – a beautiful, seductive but ultimately villainous woman who uses the malign power of her sexuality in order to ensnare the hapless hero into danger.
• Heel – the villain in a match of professional wrestling
• Mad scientist – a scientist-villain or villain-scientist. Can easily be confused with Evil Genius.
• Supervillain – a villain who displays special powers, skills or equipment powerful enough to be a typically serious challenge to a superhero.
• Trickster – often more of an annoying nuisance than a fearsome or dangerous enemy, a trickster may take many forms, from a con man to a mischievous imp. Adventures with trickster type villains tend to be light and comedy oriented and the hero typically finds a way to defeat them non-violently. Sometimes there may be a lesson learned from the trickster, even if unintentional.
• Lackey, henchman, minion, or toadie – a minor villain who takes orders.

In literature and film, an anti-hero is a central or supporting character that has some of the personality flaws and ultimate fortune traditionally assigned to villains but nonetheless also have enough heroic qualities or intentions to gain the sympathy of readers or viewers. ... In literature and film, an anti-hero is a central or supporting character that has some of the personality flaws and ultimate fortune traditionally assigned to villains but nonetheless also have enough heroic qualities or intentions to gain the sympathy of readers or viewers. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Illustration by Arthur Rackham to Richard Wagners Die Walküre: the magic sword, such as Nothung, is a common fantasy trope. ... For other uses, see Evil twin (disambiguation). ... Convicted spy Mata Hari made her name synonymous with femme fatale during WWI. A femme fatale (plural: femmes fatales) is an alluring and seductive woman whose charms ensnare her lovers in bonds of irresistible desire, often leading them into compromising, dangerous, and deadly situations. ... In professional wrestling, a heel is a villain character. ... They LAUGHED at my theories at the institute! Fools! Ill destroy them all! Caucasian, male, aging, crooked teeth, messy hair, lab coat, spectacles/goggles, dramatic posing — one popular stereotype of mad scientist. ... Doctor Doom, one of the most archetypal supervillains and his arch-enemies The Fantastic Four (in background). ... For other uses, see Superhero (disambiguation). ... The trickster figure Reynard the Fox as depicted in an 1869 childrens book by Michel Rodange. ... A confidence trick, confidence game, or con for short, (also known as a scam) is an attempt to intentionally mislead a person or persons (known as the mark) usually with the goal of financial or other gain. ... IMP or imp may mean: Imp, a fantasy creature. ... A lackey is a manservant, in its original meaning (attested 1529, according to the OED), which derived from Medieval French laquais foot soldier, footman, servant. ... Robin Shoots with Sir Guy by Louis Rhead. ... Look up Minion in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... REDIRECT [[1]] ...

References

Jean-François Millet Le Semeur (The Sower) Simon & Schuster logo, circa 1961. ... Clive Staples Lewis (November 29, 1898 – November 22, 1963), commonly referred to as C. S. Lewis, was an author and scholar. ... Studies in Words is a secular work of linguistic scholarship written by Clive Staples Lewis and published by the Cambridge University Press in 1960. ... The headquarters of the Cambridge University Press, in Trumpington Street, Cambridge. ... Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (Paramount Pictures, 1982; see also 1982 in film) is the second feature film based on the popular Star Trek science fiction television series. ... Roger Joseph Ebert (born June 18, 1942) is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American film critic. ...

Further reading

• Zawacki's humorous look at the concept of a villain:
  • Neil Zawacki (2001). So You've Decided to be Evil. Dark Sites.
  • Neil Zawacki (2003). How to Be a Villain: Evil Laughs, Secret Lairs, Master Plans, and More!!!. Chronicle Books. ISBN 0811846660. 
  • Neil Zawacki (2004). The Villain's Guide to Better Living. Chronicle Books. ISBN 0811856666. 

See also

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to:

Villain

• Rogues gallery
• Mad scientist
• Supervillain
• List of James Bond villains
• Evil laugh
• Evil Overlord List