Villains Part 2 of 3

Level 4: The Sociopath

Like the Wayward Child, the Sociopath exists in a similar delusional state that is marked by infantile feelings of personal omnipotence and grandeur. The primary difference is that the Sociopath needs no higher purpose to justify his actions. This savage predator enjoys cruelty simply because it is cruel. Their antisocial activity fuels itself because the violence and brutality they inflict on others IS the purpose for their existence. In many cases this villain is nothing more than a Monster villain with personality... and typically a bad personality at that. These bad-guys represent the most bloodthirsty of the bunch. Their pathological nature precludes rational thought and only serves to intensify their base desire to inflict suffering on others.



Most murder mystery villains fall in this category, along with a variety of horror villains and a smattering of action hero antagonists. We find these diabolical men and women in both classic and modern stories. The "Red-Leg" Captain, Terrill from The Outlaw Josey Wales is a perfect example of a low-life killer whose vicious behavior propels the action forward and marks the end of a great showdown between his character and Eastwood's portrayal of Josey Wales. Slightly less talkative but no more menacing is the murderous "Biker" from Raising Arizona. This movie villain is uniquely loathsome for the comedy genre and (as a result) generates a more rich stroy-line for an already great film. Last but not least are the twisted minds of the truly depraved such as the red-neck rapist known only as "Zed" in Pulp Fiction. There is perhaps no scene in Tarantino's film that is filled with more fear and menace than when Wallace and Butch suffer at the hands of Zed. In every case these villains represent a depraved creature, hell bent on destroying our heroes both psychologically and physically.

Level 5: The Criminal Mastermind

Delving even deeper into the levels of villainy we are introduced to one of the more diabolical archetypes in the pantheon. The Criminal Mastermind is as subversive and driven as the Wayward Child and as immune to morality as the demented sociopath. However, this villain is not encumbered with a religious or social dogma, nor is he blinded by mental anguish of psychological debilitation. No, this villain executes his plans with a cold and calculated precision that even your high-school chemistry teacher could appreciate. The criminal mastermind's intellect is vast and he uses this intellect as a weapon more deadly than any magic sword or buzzing-chainsaw. That is not to say that he is above the crude arts of torture and death.



It goes without saying that the famous Lex Luthor falls into this category as well as the cruel cunning of Hans Gruber from Die Hard. Their wickedness uses all the tools in the villain tool box including the threat of physical harm. Where these villains are limited is in the scope of their desires. As the title would suggest, they are not out to remake the world in their own image, nor are they hell bent on mankind's destruction. This villain is usually after a quick buck. The all mighty dollar drives this bad-guy. However, if a new world order or the genocide of mankind is the only way to his prize, they will gladly go there.

Level 6: The Tyrant

The Tyrant is an absolute ruler unrestrained by law or morals. He is an usurper of sovereignty. A ruler who exercises absolute power oppressively or brutally. In some cases the Tyrant can have two sides to his persona: The public philanthropist who is generous and sensitive to the political landscape and then the private demon who is a malevolent threat to all who cross his path. In other cases the Tyrant is an outward dictator from top to bottom, stepping on the necks of his citizens in order to create a utopia of his own design. In either case the Tyrant is a master of suppressing dissent and uses his power to maintain absolute control.



Examples of the Tyrant litter both film and television. One Tyrant that typifies these villains is Emperor Commodus from the award winning film, Gladiator. In many cases (like Commodus) the Tyrant also has a touch of the sociopath in them, only serving to perpetuate their evil deeds. Other memorable tyrants in distinctly different trappings include Prince Humperdink from the Princess Bride, Sheriff Bill Daggett from the film Unforgiven, and last but not least Bill Lumberg from the comedy Office Space. In every case they are a bullying despot who wants power at any price. They attempt to crush their enemies or use them as pawns in order to hold all the power pieces.

Final Installment: Levels 7-9