Good Villains
The idea of watching the narrative arc of a good villain is exciting, to say the least. By a "good villain," the reference is to the totality of the character: the personality, the wit, the way of speech, the tone of voice, and last but definitely not least, the clothes.
Carl Gustav Jung, best known for his analytical theory and the two compartments of the unconscious, put forth the concept of archetypes, discussing how archetypes are the psychic equivalent of instinct, recurring patterns, and images from the collective subconscious that are universal and ancient. Certain Jungian archetypes can be associated with the villains we all know and love, such as the trickster, the tyrant, the seductress or the temptress, and the rebel. It is highly likely that as you read about these archetypes, images of specific villains who embody them flashed through your mind's eye. That’s what good villains are. They are good at being bad, and their legacy is maintained through these archetypes. However, the archetypes playing into the characteristic and idiocentric qualities of these villains are not necessarily the sole reason why we are reminded of iconic villains from books, movies, or TV shows. It is because a character comes with their whole package as we already disclosed above. Their sass, wit, mannerisms, and look.
Dr. Frank-N-Furter (The Rocky Horror Picture Show) via Tumblr.
The flamboyant appearance of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, coupled with the gender-bending style, provides the necessary foundation for the perfect villain: non-conformity. The idiocentric characteristics such as megalomania, manipulation, and moral ambiguity further provide them with the position of an archetype.
Much like them, the character of Lestat de Lioncourt also serves in the villainy and wickedness department, and they look exceptionally good while doing so. On the one hand, their tendency for manipulation, control, sadistic activities, narcissism, and lack of empathy provide the ideal narrative or character-building for a villain. On the other, Lestat de Lioncourt’s seductive manners, charismatic look, and carefully put-together outfits grant them the title of a good villain.
Lestat de Lioncourt (Interview with the Vampire) via Charactour.
Cruella De Vil (101 Dalmatians) Via Pinterest.
One example from the animated world is Shen from Kung Fu Panda. His character is significant not only because he delivers accordingly to a good villain’s non-negotiables but also because his character explores the meta aspect of writing a good villain. In the scenes where he is about to meet Poe, Shen tries to come up with the perfect opening line and pose to frighten his opponent and convince him that he, in fact, is the villain and is good at being one. Shen’s garments are complementary to his extravagant personality and wicked ways. The grandiose robe and the major part of his look, his feathers as a peacock further foster his peacockish (excuse the pun) and gaudy character. His robe and the colors he is adorned with communicate the blue-blood aspect of his position within the narrative, allowing his arc to have visual representatives.
Shen (Kung Fu Panda) via Pinterest.
Good villains are totalistic entities that reign upon the pillars such as characteristics, whimsicality, a good mouth-off, and especially their complementary looks. These aspects unite and create the components of a good villain who fulfills their duty by day and showcasing to us that there is an undeniable interconnectedness between being evil and looking good.
