History Main / HateSink

'''Notes:''' Just because a villain goes out of their way to be cruel doesn't necessarily mean they are a Hate Sink. A Hate Sink is a very specific type of character who is written to provoke the audience's revulsion and loathing. You will never find their motives sympathetic or want them to succeed, only feel disgust and want them to get their comeuppance as quickly as possible (preferably in a cathartic, horrifying, and/or undignified manner). Villains like [[Franchise/StarWars Emperor Palpatine]] and [[Literature/HarryPotter Voldemort]] lack sympathetic qualities and can be incredibly vile in their worst moments, but the audience is merely meant to root for the heroes to succeed against them, whereas Dolores Umbridge or [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3 the MCU iteration of the High Evolutionary]] is meant to be loathed, which is usually indicated by the spiteful, petty, and [[RealismInducedHorror ordinary evil]] they typify. Of course, absent a WordOfGod confirmation, it can be hard to determine if a vile villain is ''meant'' to be hated, or at least hated to the extent that a HateSink is.

'''Notes:''' Just because a villain goes out of their way to be cruel doesn't necessarily mean they are a Hate Sink. A Hate Sink is very specific type of character who is written to provoke the audience's revulsion and loathing. You will never find their motives sympathetic or want them to succeed, only feel disgust and want them to get their comeuppance as quickly as possible (preferably in a cathartic, horrifying, and/or undignified manner). Villains like [[Franchise/StarWars Emperor Palpatine]] and [[Literature/HarryPotter Voldemort]] lack sympathetic qualities and can be incredibly vile in their worst moments, but the audience is merely meant to root for the heroes to succeed against them, whereas Dolores Umbridge or [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3 the MCU iteration of the High Evolutionary]] is meant to be loathed, which is usually indicated by the spiteful, petty, and [[RealismInducedHorror ordinary evil]] they typify. Of course, absent a WordOfGod confirmation, it can be hard to determine if a vile villain is ''meant'' to be hated, or at least hated to the extent that a HateSink is.

[[quoteright:300:[[WesternAnimation/ClassicDisneyShorts https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/pjimage_20.jpg]]]]

A Hate Sink is a character who is ''intentionally'' made (by the work's creator) to be vile and unsympathetic to the audience. While your average {{Jerkass}} or CompleteMonster can fill the bill, an ordinary scumbag works just fine, especially in stories where the main antagonist has no 'face' (e.g. in a film about a natural disaster) or the BigBad's motives remain sympathetic even when their deeds are evil. This character is written to draw fire, and to provide appropriate [[CatharsisFactor catharsis for the audience]] when karma finally catches up to them.

'''Notes:''' Just because a villain goes out of their way to be as mean and/or horrible as possible doesn't mean they are a Hate Sink. This is a very specific type of villain that invokes repulse and loathing, as in that sort where you won't find charisma within them at all. You'll only feel disgust for them and want them to die as quickly as possible and preferably in a cathartic, horrifying, and/or undignified manner. Villains like [[Franchise/StarWars Emperor Palpatine]] and [[Literature/HarryPotter Voldemort]] lack sympathetic qualities and can be incredibly vile in their worst moments, but it doesn't mean that they're designed to be unlikable, whereas something like Dolores Umbridge or [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3 the MCU iteration of the High Evolutionary]] will [[KickTheDog kick dogs]] left and right for petty reasons and have crimes largely grounded in RealismInducedHorror. Of course, a WordOfGod would be a definitive confirmation in this case, even if the villain becomes way more popular or charismatic than expected.

* AbusiveParents: Either a parent or both parents that is/are abusive with their own child or children, which is most likely to start their StartOfDarkness.

* JerkWithAHeartOfJerk: A character seems to come around to be sympathetic, only to turn out to truly be a jerk.

Often overlaps with CompleteMonster, which is [[AudienceReactions a character whose vile deeds have cost them the sympathy of the audience]], though even a Complete Monster can be charismatic, while a Hate Sink never can. Also compare AntiRoleModel, where the character is designed to be a bad example to the audience; LoveToHate, when the viewers actually enjoy this character ''because'' of how effective they are at being hatable; TheHeavy, which is about the impact for the story; {{Jerkass}}, who may be unlikable, but stays above the MoralEventHorizon; and JerksAreWorseThanVillains, which is when fans hate the jerkass character more than the actual villain.[[note]]TheScrappy tends to fall under this trope for all the wrong reasons[[/note]] Contrast with AntiVillain, when a villain has sympathetic traits; and LaughablyEvil, when a villain is funny and thus entertaining (though in some cases a villain can be both sympathetic and funny).

'''Notes:''' Just because a villain goes out of their way to be as mean and/or horrible as possible doesn't mean they are a Hate Sink. This is a very specific type of villain that invokes repulse and loathing, as in that sort where you won't find charisma within them at all. You'll only feel disgust for them and want them to die as quick as possible and preferably in a cathartic, horrifying and/or undignified manner. Villains like [[Franchise/StarWars Emperor Palpantine]] and [[Literature/HarryPotter Voldemort]] lack sympathetic qualities and can be incredibly vile in their worst moments, but it doesn't mean that they're literally designed to be unlikable; whereas something like Dolores Umbridge or [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3 the MCU literation of the High Evolutionary]] will [[KickTheDog kick dogs]] left and right for petty reasons and have crimes largely grounded on RealismInducedHorror. Of course, a WordOfGod would be a definitive confirmation in this case, even if the villain becomes way more popular or charismatic than expected.

[[WMG:[[center:[[AC:This trope has a [[https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=15476140760A75581300 dedicated clean up thread]].]]]]]]

Compare with CompleteMonster, which is about AudienceReactions to that is unusually horrible and devoid of sympathy. However, while there is a decent chance where a CompleteMonster can be a Hate Sink, not ''all'' Complete Monsters are Hate Sinks and many are charismatic villains, loathsome as they are. Also compare with AntiRoleModel, where the character is designed to be a bad example to the audience; LoveToHate, when the viewers actually enjoy this character ''because'' of how effective they are at being hatable; TheHeavy, which is about the impact for the story; {{Jerkass}}, who may be unlikable, but stays above the MoralEventHorizon; and JerksAreWorseThanVillains, which is when fans hate the jerkass character more than the actual villain.[[note]]TheScrappy tends to fall under this trope for all the wrong reasons[[/note]] Contrast with AntiVillain, when a villain has sympathetic traits; and LaughablyEvil, when a villain is funny and thus entertaining (though in some cases a villain can be both sympathetic and funny).

Compare with CompleteMonster, which is about AudienceReactions to how vile someone can get[[note]]A HateSink can be UnintentionallySympathetic, after all[[/note]]; AntiRoleModel, where the character is designed to be a bad example to the audience; LoveToHate, when the viewers actually enjoy this character ''because'' of how effective they are at being hatable; TheHeavy, which is about the impact for the story; {{Jerkass}}, who may be unlikable, but stays above the MoralEventHorizon; and JerksAreWorseThanVillains, which is when fans hate the jerkass character more than the actual villain.[[note]]TheScrappy tends to fall under this trope for all the wrong reasons[[/note]] Contrast with AntiVillain, when a villain has sympathetic traits; and LaughablyEvil, when a villain is funny and thus entertaining (though in some cases a villain can be both sympathetic and funny).

[[WMG:[[center:[[AC:This trope has a [[https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=15994469980A38128500 dedicated clean up thread]].]]]]]]

'''Notes:''' Just because a villain goes out of their way to be as mean and/or horrible as possible doesn't mean they are a Hate Sink. This is a very specific type of villain that invokes repulse and loathing, as in that sort where you won't find charisma within them at all. You'll only feel disgust for them and want them to die as quick as possible and preferably in a cathartic, horrifying and/or undignified manner. Villains like [[Franchise/StarWars Emperor Palpantine]] and [[Literature/HarryPotter Voldemort]] lack sympathetic qualities and can be incredibly vile in their worst moments, but it doesn't mean they're literally designed to be unlikable; whereas something like Dolores Umbridge or [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3 the MCU literation of the High Evolutionary]] will [[KickTheDog kick dogs]] left and right for petty reasons and have crimes largely grounded on RealismInducedHorror. Of course, a WordOfGod would be a definitive confirmation in this case, even if the villain becomes way more popular or charismatic than expected.

'''Notes:''' Just because a villain goes out of their way to be as mean and/or horrible as possible doesn't mean they are a Hate Sink. This is a very specific type of villain that invokes repulse and loathing, as in that sort where you won't find charisma within them at all. You'll only feel disgust for them and want them to die as quick as possible and preferably in a cathartic, horrifying and/or undignified manner. A villain like [[Franchise/StarWars Emperor Palpantine]] or [[Literature/HarryPotter Voldemort]] can be incredibly vile and horrible, but it doesn't mean they're literally designed to be unlikable; whereas something like Dolores Umbridge or [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3 the MCU literation of the High Evolutionary]] will [[KickTheDog kick dogs]] left and right for petty reasons and have crimes largely grounded on RealismInducedHorror. Of course, a WordOfGod would be a definitive confirmation in this case, even if the villain becomes way more popular or charismatic than expected.

'''Notes:''' Just because a villain goes out of their way to be as mean and/or horrible as possible doesn't mean they are a Hate Sink. This is a very specific type of villain that invokes repulse and loathing, as in that sort where you won't find charisma within them at all. You'll only feel disgust for this type of villain and want to get rid of them from the screen as quick as possible and preferably in a cathartic, undignified manner. A villain like [[Franchise/StarWars Emperor Palpantine]] or [[Literature/HarryPotter Voldemort]] can be incredibly vile and horrible, but it doesn't mean they're literally designed to be unlikable; whereas something like Dolores Umbridge or [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3 the MCU literation of the High Evolutionary]] will [[KickTheDog kick dogs]] left and right for petty reasons and have crimes largely grounded on RealismInducedHorror. Of course, a WordOfGod would be a definitive confirmation in this case, even if the villain becomes way more popular or charismatic than expected.

'''Notes:''' Just because a villain goes out of their way to be as mean and/or horrible as possible doesn't mean they are a Hate Sink. This is a very specific type of villain that invokes repulse and loathing, as in that sort where you won't find charisma within them in any form or way. You'll only feel disgust for this type of villain and want to get rid of them from the screen as quick as possible and preferably in a cathartic, undignified manner. A villain like [[Franchise/StarWars Emperor Palpantine]] or [[Literature/HarryPotter Voldemort]] can be incredibly vile and horrible, but it doesn't mean they're literally designed to be unlikable; whereas something like Dolores Umbridge or [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3 the MCU literation of the High Evolutionary]] will [[KickTheDog kick dogs]] left and right for petty reasons and have crimes largely grounded on RealismInducedHorror. Of course, a WordOfGod would be a definitive confirmation in this case, even if the villain becomes way more popular or charismatic than expected.

'''Notes:''' Just because a villain goes out of their way to be as mean and/or as possible doesn't mean they are a Hate Sink. This is a very specific type of villain that invokes repulse and loathing, as in that sort where you won't find charisma within them in any form or way. You'll only feel disgust for this type of villain and want to get rid of them from the screen as quick as possible and preferably in a cathartic, undignified manner. A villain like [[Franchise/StarWars Emperor Palpantine]] or [[Literature/HarryPotter Voldemort]] can be incredibly vile and horrible, but it doesn't mean they're literally designed to be unlikable; whereas something like Dolores Umbridge or [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3 the MCU literation of the High Evolutionary]] will [[KickTheDog kick dogs]] left and right for petty reasons and have crimes largely grounded on RealismInducedHorror. Of course, a WordOfGod would be a definitive confirmation in this case, even if the villain becomes way more popular or charismatic than expected.

'''Notes:''' Just because a villain goes out of their way to be as mean and/or as possible doesn't mean they are a Hate Sink. This is a very specific type of villain that invokes repulse and loathing, as in that sort where you won't find charisma within them in any form or way. You'll only feel disgust for this type of villain and want to get rid of them from the screen as quick as possible and preferably in a cathartic, undignified manner. A villain like [[Franchise/StarWars Emperor Palpantine]] or [[Literature/HarryPotter Voldemort]] can be incredibly vile and horrible, but it doesn't mean they're literally designed to be unlikable; whereas something like Dolores Umbridge or [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3 the MCU literation of the High Evolutionary]] kick dogs left and right for petty reasons and have crimes largely grounded on RealismInducedHorror. Of course, a WordOfGod would be a definitive confirmation in this case, even if the villain becomes way more popular or charismatic than expected.

'''Notes:''' Just because a villain goes out of their way to be as mean and/or as possible doesn't mean they are a Hate Sink. This is a very specific type of villain that invokes repulse and loathing, as in that sort where you won't find charisma within them in any form or way. You'll only feel disgust for this type of villain and want to get rid of them from the screen as quick as possible and preferably in a cathartic, undignified manner. A villain like [[Literature/StarWars Emperor Palpantine]] or [[Literature/HarryPotter Voldemort]] can be incredibly vile and horrible, but it doesn't mean they're literally designed to be unlikable; whereas something like Dolores Umbridge or [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3 the MCU literation of the High Evolutionary]] kick dogs left and right for petty reasons and have crimes largely grounded on RealismInducedHorror. Of course, a WordOfGod would be a definitive confirmation in this case, even if the villain becomes way more popular or charismatic than expected.

'''Notes:''' Just because a villain goes out of their way to be as mean and/or as possible doesn't mean they are a Hate Sink. This is a very specific type of villain that invokes repulse and loathing, as in that sort where you won't find charisma within them in any form or way. You'll only feel disgust for this type of villain and want to get rid of them from the screen as quick as possible and preferably in a cathartic, undignified manner. A villain like [[Literature/StarWars EmperorPalpantine]] or [[Literature/HarryPotter Voldemort]] can be incredibly vile and horrible, but it doesn't mean they're literally designed to be unlikable; whereas something like Dolores Umbridge or [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3 the MCU literation of the High Evolutionary]] kick dogs left and right for petty reasons and have crimes largely grounded on RealismInducedHorror. Of course, a WordOfGod would be a definitive confirmation in this case, even if the villain becomes way more popular or charismatic than expected.

The Hate Sink is not TheScrappy: the writers ''wrote'' the Hate Sink to be hated, while the Scrappy garnered a {{Hatedom}} on his own. But it is possible for a Hate Sink to become a Scrappy if the audience hates him for reasons ''other'' than what the creators intended. [[labelnote:Example]][[ManipulativeBastard Bendy]] from the ''WesternAnimation/FostersHomeForImaginaryFriends'' episode "Everyone Knows It's Bendy" was deliberately written to be despised for breaking the rules of the Foster home and [[WoundedGazelleGambit framing other imaginary friends in the house for the rule-breaking]]. However, because he became a KarmaHoudini at the end of the episode, he [[TheScrappy got more hate than was intended]]. As a result, the episode actually got so much backlash that its writer, Creator/LaurenFaust, eventually apologized for it, and Bendy was not featured in any more episodes.[[/labelnote]]

A Hate Sink is a character who is ''intentionally'' made (by the work's creator) to be vile and unsympathetic to the audience. While your average {{Jerkass}} or CompleteMonster can fill the bill, an ordinary scumbag works just fine, especially in stories where the main antagonist has no 'face' (e.g. in a film about a natural disaster) or the BigBad's motives remain sympathetic even when their deeds are evil. This character is written to draw fire, and to provide appropriate catharsis for the audience when karma finally catches up to them.

* AbusiveParents: It's either a parent or both parents that is/are abusive with their own child or children and it's most likely to start their StartOfDarkness.

The HateSink is not TheScrappy: the writers ''wrote'' the Hate Sink to be hated, while the Scrappy garnered a {{Hatedom}} on his own. But it is possible for a Hate Sink to become a Scrappy if the audience hates him for reasons ''other'' than what the creators intended. [[labelnote:Example]][[ManipulativeBastard Bendy]] from the ''WesternAnimation/FostersHomeForImaginaryFriends'' episode "Everyone Knows It's Bendy" was deliberately written to be despised for breaking the rules of the Foster home and [[WoundedGazelleGambit framing other imaginary friends in the house for the rule-breaking]]. However, because he became a KarmaHoudini at the end of the episode, he [[TheScrappy got more hate than was intended]]. As a result, the episode actually got so much backlash that its writer, Creator/LaurenFaust, eventually apologized for it, and Bendy was not featured in any more episodes.[[/labelnote]]

* AbusiveParents: Oh man, it's still 100% easy, it's either a parent or both parents that is/are abusive with their own child or children and it's most likely to start their StartOfDarkness.

* TheBully: Yep...

* ItsAllAboutMe: Unfortunately, yes it is, and also... Don't even think about trying to become selfish, only villains and most hated characters can be fit in this trope.

A Hate Sink is a character who is introduced to the story only so that the audience can hate them. This character is intentionally made to be vile and unsympathetic by the creator. Amongst a group of [[{{Jerkass}} jerks]], they stand out as particularly cruel.

This character should not be confused with TheScrappy, even though both character types garner a {{Hatedom}}: the writers do not ''intend'' for the Scrappy to be hated. But it is possible for a Hate Sink to become a Scrappy if the audience hates him for reasons other than what the writers intended. [[labelnote:Example]][[ManipulativeBastard Bendy]] from the ''WesternAnimation/FostersHomeForImaginaryFriends'' episode "Everyone Knows It's Bendy" was deliberately written to be despised for breaking the rules of the Foster home and [[WoundedGazelleGambit framing other imaginary friends in the house for the rule-breaking]]. However, because he became a KarmaHoudini at the end of the episode, he [[TheScrappy got more hate than was intended]]. As a result, the episode actually got so much backlash that its writer, Creator/LaurenFaust, eventually apologized for it, and Bendy was not featured in any more episodes.[[/labelnote]]

The key differences between the HateSink and TheScrappy are thus:
# The Hate Sink is a character which was created by the author with the '''intended reaction''' to be loathed by the audience.
# The Scrappy is a character which was not made to be hated by the author, but still has the ''unintended'' reaction of being loathed by the audience.[[labelnote:Examples]][[Franchise/ScoobyDoo Scrappy-Doo]] and [[Franchise/StarWars Jar Jar Binks]] are definitely still hated, but they were introduced to their respective franchises ''without'' the intention of being loathed by the audience, thus rendering them as Scrappies (or in the German version of TV Tropes, [[De/DerJarJar Jar Jars]]).[[/labelnote]]

* AssholeVictim: An asshole who dies or is otherwise victimized.

Note that a Hate Sink is not the same thing as TheScrappy. Whereas the hatred towards the Scrappy is unintentional, the hatred towards the Hate Sink is entirely on purpose. While the two tropes can overlap, in order for a Hate Sink to also be considered a Scrappy, they have to be hated for different reasons than the author intended. [[labelnote:Example]][[ManipulativeBastard Bendy]] from the ''WesternAnimation/FostersHomeForImaginaryFriends'' episode "Everyone Knows It's Bendy" was deliberately written to be despised for breaking the rules of the Foster home and [[WoundedGazelleGambit framing other imaginary friends in the house for the rule-breaking]]. However, because he became a KarmaHoudini at the end of the episode, he [[TheScrappy got more hate than was intended]]. As a result, the episode actually got so much backlash that its writer, Creator/LaurenFaust, eventually apologized for it, and Bendy was not featured in any more episodes.[[/labelnote]]

* SmallRoleBigImpact: It can happen if it negatively impacts a Character's story and if they [[KarmaHoudini away with it]].

* AbusiveParents: Either a parent or both parents that is/are abusive with their own child or children and it's most likely to start their StartOfDarkness.