So, earlier today I mentioned I had a soft spot for hateable characters, and I feel I need to defend this position (lol).
Basically, when a character is written as purely evil with no redeeming features, it feels like A: that person must’ve gone through a heckuva lot in their life, or B: the god of the world (the author) is against them. Either case immediately makes them an underdog. I know in our current society, we tend to talk about stereotypes, and how they should be avoided (which is a whole separate kettle of fish), but for all that talk, there are still countless stereotypes which are constantly played for easy hate, and no one cares. For example, the sexist, patriarchal businessman who got to where he is through family connections. He’s usually terrible at his job, not even charismatic, often ranging from hideous to just average in looks, and tends to buckle under the slightest pressure or threatening. Another example is your classic “Dad that was never there”, or “domineering religious figure” (no explanation really needed for those).
These are common stereotypes that can be leaned back on at any time, and no one bats an eye. Now, I’m not saying stereotypes are bad in themselves, I certainly don’t care if they’re used or not. But it does make me more inclined to root for the character. Think about it; if I made a Mexican stereotype named Pablo who always takes a siesta at key moments, talks in broken English and says Que? a lot, wears a poncho and sombrero, and rides a donkey, wouldn’t you immediately be on Pablo’s side, saying “justice for Pablo” and “make Pablo a better character”? I would. I’d be in Pablo’s camp any day.
I think the perfect example of how to make good hateable, loveable villains is the Phantom Troupe from Hunter x Hunter. Long before they’re introduced, you hear about them in rumours as merciless, murderous thieves who cannot be stopped by anyone, people who killed one of the main character’s entire clan, men, woman, and children, and stole their eyeballs. Even when they’re introduced, they’re sociopathic, just as murderous as the rumours say, and immediately become the villains of the current arc.
And yet, people absolutely love the Phantom Troupe. Why is that?
For one, they’re absolute bad@$$es. Each member is incredibly powerful, with a well-thought out and exciting ability. They’re interesting characters with fun quirks and mannerisms, they banter with each other, and even cry for each other. Also, about half of them are good-looking, and the other half at least fall into the “ugly, but pretty cool design” camp. Even when they’re kidnapping, torturing, and annihilating people, fans still love them because the author loves them. People definitely want to see them defeated, but they still enjoy every minute they’re on screen.
And I think that’s the mark of a good villain. Why do people love Darth Vader? Because he’s a frickin’ boss! He’s tall, intimidating, emotionless, and ruthless, the epitome of what a hero has to fight. Even Grand Moff Tarken is portrayed interestingly as a minor villain, not falling to Leia’s taunts, maintaining a grim, military professionalism, and literally going down with the ship in the end.
Bit of a long-winded post, but that’s the gist of why I tend to side with unlovable characters. If they were written into the world for the sole purpose of being despised and defeated by everyone, they’re the ultimate underdog, and I’ve got their back.
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