Categorisation of Motivation

Any villain, human or otherwise, is driven by the same thing that drives us all- their motivations to commit the acts for which they are branded as evil. Most examples have a much more focussed motivation than a protagonist might have- and often more varying than the 'save the world' objective of the latter.

To exemplify this, I have placed these motivations into 9 categories, giving some examples along the way. Nothing more to say except put any antagonists you remember into these categories- any that can't be placed, post a comment!

Categories:

M1: The actions are for material gain of any kind. (i.e Goldfinger from the film of the same name)

M2: The actions are in keeping with some patriotic/nationalistic/vocational sense of duty or responsibility. (i.e Nameless henchmen from innumerable sources)

M3: For the purpose of domination of people or nations. (i.e Stalin, The Roman Empire)

M4: The antagonist is forced by some higher power to commit the acts.

M5: The antagonist commits the acts in order to teach/punish/preach to either the protagonist, the victims or the general public through these acts.

M6: To do such things is in the nature of the villain itself- either through supernatural reasons or otherwise (i.e Pazuzu from 'The Excorcist')

M7: To exact vengeance or to spite either the antagonist or another faction/group.

M8: For their own personal pride, or for what they see as personal achievement- often used as 'finishing a life's work'. (i'e The Killer in 'Seven')

M9: For unexplained reasons, or as the result of the character's insanity, or for what they see as their amusement.

Of course, many examples will fit into a number of these categories- for example, Darth Vader (Star Wars Trilogy) would fit into both M2 and M4; Hannibal Lecter (Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal, Red Dragon) would fit into M1, M5 and M8.

In future, any characters I analyse or redesign will include one of these categories- once again, think of any examples you wish and try to fit them in!