Line #25 Main/EvilVirtues


1	->'''Dr. Kelso''': Son, do you think I got to be Chief of Medicine by being late?\
2	'''Dr. Cox''': No, Bob-o, you got there by back-stabbin' and ass-kissin'.\
3	'''Dr. Kelso''': Maybe so, but I started those things precisely at 8:00.
4	-->-- ''Series/{{Scrubs}}'', "My Butterfly"
5
6	%%Two quotations is too many. See discussion page to join in finding a new one.
7
8	Villains are bad, it goes without saying. However, they can't be ''all'' bad for the simple reason that a character loaded down with all of the SevenDeadlySins (along with whatever other character flaws writers can think of) will be too lazy, gluttonous, envious, prideful, angry, lustful and miserly to ''do'' much of anything. A villain laden down with too many vices quickly becomes a loser.
9
10	Even if they only have one vice, a villain is going to need a big heaping of icky good traits in order to accomplish their goals. They don't have to be an AntiVillain,[[note]]Though villains with enough virtues usually end up switching categories, if not pull a HeelFaceTurn[[/note]] they just need to have one or more [[VirtueViceCodification virtues]] to get by. The reason for this is both practical and artistic. Practically, a villain with a virtue of some kind will have a way to put their schemes in motion and [[TheAntagonist effectively oppose]] TheHero. Without these virtues, authors would have to resort to making them a GenericDoomsdayVillain to get anything done. Artistically, it helps make the villain a RoundedCharacter, and helps make them [[DynamicCharacter dynamic]] if their virtue and vice are [[CharacterDevelopment somehow in conflict]].
11
12	Oh, and it lets them get all holier-than-thou during a BreakingSpeech, throwing in a NotSoDifferentRemark or two -- especially if the hero really ''is'' deficient in a virtue (or apparent virtue) the villain cherishes, in which case the villain may even claim that ''they'' hold the moral high ground.
13
14	For example: A {{Pride}}ful villain might also be very hardworking in order to get the power he needs. A slothful villain might compensate with amazing creativity, coming up with [[GadgeteerGenius amazing inventions]], {{Evil Plan}}s, and [[OffscreenVillainDarkMatter limitless funds]]. A wrathful villain may [[AFatherToHisMen nonetheless]] be very loyal to his minions, [[IControlMyMinionsThrough inspiring great devotion]]. A {{greed}}y villain might back it up with [[{{Determinator}} tenacity]], relentless and unyielding in their pursuit of more, more, more. A lustful villain may also be extremely courageous, willing to risk death or worse in pursuit of their carnal desires.
15
16	Where this can get strange and interesting is when this is applied to a villain who is MadeOfEvil. Here you have a ball of elemental nastiness who also happens to have one or more positive traits. Who knew elemental evil had [[AffablyEvil such good taste]] in [[FriendlyEnemy scones]]?
17
18	However, there are virtues and then there are ''virtues''. Much like ColorCodedForYourConvenience, there are some virtues that are okay for heroes and some that are more often seen in villains. These are:
19
20	* '''Ambition.''' Though heroes may insist that AmbitionIsEvil, villains are the ones who try to make the struggle to get better (even if they have a tendency to [[AGodAmI overdo it]]), which heroes [[VillainsActHeroesReact typically lack]] until disaster forces them to change.
21	* '''[[VillainousFriendship Camaraderie]].''' There are villains that genuinely value each other as comrades, getting along with each other, being willing to listen to the other if they make suggestions, show tremendous trust in each other, and even help each other in times of need. Villains may also end up being good friends with the heroes, though whether or not it causes them to change sides depends on the situation, making it painful to fight them as a result.
22	* '''Chasity''': Not all villains are hedonists who would seek pleasure, common in StraightEdgeEvil villains who would be unbound by pleasure and go straight for their goals.
23	* '''Cooperation''': Villains with good teamwork skills can make them very effective in accomplishing their goals. If they share a common enemy with the heroes, [[EnemyMine they may also be willing to work alongside them to put down that enemy]].
24	* '''Creativity.''' When a villain is an EvilGenius or TheStrategist, they may be able to come up with good plans with whatever resources they have at their disposal, [[NotTheIntendedUse using those resources for things other than their intended purpose]], or even [[OutsideTheBoxTactic think outside the box]] if their normal tactics against the enemy don't work.
25	* '''[[WickedCultured Civilization.]]''' A sharp-dressed, eloquent, ManOfWealthAndTaste is likely to win over followers through sheer charisma and confidence, especially if he's able to make the heroes look like {{Loser Protagonist}}s in comparison.
26	* '''Decisiveness.''' Villains generally have little or no patience for the NotSoOmniscientCouncilOfBickering, and value being able to make decisions, and have them implemented, quickly.
27	* '''Determination.''' Sometimes when a villain [[VillainousValour keeps on trying despite]] being stomped into the ground a million times, and still gets up and [[{{Determinator}} keeps going after his goals]] regardless of the constant beatings, you have to at least admire their tenacity somewhat. In general, [[VillainousBreakdown villainous breakdowns]] are significantly less common (though also more unexpected) than a [[HeroicBSOD hero falling to bits after a major defeat]].
28	* '''Diligence.''' Despite EvilIsEasy and TheDarkSide making access to power easier, many villains will undergo much more extreme ordeals and protracted effort than heroes, who usually benefit from HardWorkHardlyWorks. This may include [[StraightEdgeEvil refraining from pleasurable indulgences]] in order to maintain focus on the tasks at hand.
29	* '''Empathy.''' Some villains can sense other's emotions.
30	* '''[[EqualOpportunityEvil Equality]].''' Usually the remit of villains that see the bigger picture, if just because they are less concerned about any individual that suffers that their hands, but villains will often reward strength and punish weakness without caring what that person ''is''. TheSocialDarwinist may think only the strong should profit, but on the other hand ''any'' strong individual can profit.
31	* '''Flexibility.''' While some villains believe their plan is infallible and are left at a loss when that plan ends up failing, some villains can actually [[XanatosSpeedChess adapt their plans on the fly if things don't work out as they intended]]. Their willingness to improvise can make them very effective in catching the enemy off-guard and ensure they don't go down so easily. They can also be flexible in [[IControlMyMinionsThrough how they ensure their minion's loyalty by using different methods for each minion]].
32	* '''Generosity.''' Whereas some villains would prefer to hoard all the power or material wealth for themselves, there are some who are willing to share with their allies. This might be done just to ensure their loyalty, but it may also be done out of genuine gratitude for such loyalty in the first place. A lot of villains have recruited many followers to their side by offering them something they want most in their time of need.
33	* '''Gratitude.''' A villain may display gratefulness for various reasons, like helping them or [[SaveTheVillain saving their lives]]. They may [[BecauseYouWereNiceToMe help you back in return]], make exceptions, or ultimately do a HeelFaceTurn.
34	* '''[[WillNotTellALie Honesty]].''' Though rare, some villains ''[[VillainsNeverLie don't]]'' [[ILied lie]], and insist that [[IGaveMyWord keeping a promise is a matter of honor]]. This does have the practical effect of people being more likely to trust them and [[AtLeastIAdmitIt less able to verbally undermine them]], even if they are known to be a villain. In organized crime settings, a villain will not get far without a reputation for honesty. This, along with '''Humility''' and '''Wisdom''', also makes their [[BreakThemByTalking\|breaking speech]]es and {{The Reason You Suck Speech}}es more [[VillainHasAPoint accurate]] and effective.
35	* '''Honor.''' Calling card of the NobleDemon who preaches EvenEvilHasStandards.
36	* '''Humility.''' Not all villains are smug and arrogant. Some are down to earth, [[AffablyEvil personable]], and modest. Common in a NoNonsenseNemesis, and a large part of what makes them terrifying foes. They acknowledge their own fallibility and rarely shoot [[ShootTheMessenger advisors for doing their job ]] or [[YouHaveFailedMe minions for failure]] of ThePlan. They will not be [[DidYouJustFlipOffCthulhu enraged by insults]]. They are not concerned with [[EvilIsHammy making a spectacle]] or EvilGloating. This is a villain who ''will'' [[WhyDontYouJustShootHim just shoot the hero]] or calmly inform them [[YouAreTooLate that the plan has already succeeded]]. If they give a TheReasonYouSuckSpeech, it will likely be both [[VillainHasAPoint accurate]] and [[BreakThemByTalking effective]].
37	* '''Intellect''' is what makes the MagnificentBastard such a formidable adversary. Studying the failures of those who came before him and knowing the hero's weaknesses all but guarantees victory. Expect him to quote Creator/SunTzu or other martial philosophers if he's a WickedCultured sort, and especially to hit several points on the EvilOverlordList. All the better if [[BrainsEvilBrawnGood paired against a]] DumbMuscle opponent.
38	* '''Kindness.''' Some villains can be AffablyEvil, being courteous and respectful to allies and enemies alike. Being a BenevolentBoss can earn them loyalty from their allies, and they may be willing to show mercy and compassion to their enemies, especially if they may consider them a friend or WorthyOpponent. This will make fighting them all the more difficult, since you know they're on the wrong side.
39	* '''[[EvenEvilHasLovedOnes Love]].''' Despite LoveRedeems, a surprising number of villains [[UnholyMatrimony love either their spouses]], [[EvenBadMenLoveTheirMamas parents]], [[DaddysLittleVillain children]], or even [[TrueCompanions friends]]/[[AFatherToHisMen underlings]] while remaining evil. Of course, it's worth mentioning that LoveMakesYouEvil and [[LoveMakesYouCrazy Crazy]]. With Love as a villain's virtue, the result is often UnholyMatrimony.
40	* '''[[HonorAmongThieves Loyalty]]''' is a pretty even split between heroic and villainous. This isn't being a LawfulEvil RulesLawyer mind you, because those types can still be TheStarscream, but PowerOfTrust brand loyalty where even a ChaoticEvil type will avoid betrayal.
41	* '''Maturity.''' Not all villains act [[PsychopathicManchild Immature]] and realize they can't get everything.
42	* '''Nationalism.''' It may be that while the villain looks like a standard EvilOverlord to the enemies of TheEmpire, he is actually [[AHeroToHisHometown very popular at home]] for treating ''his own'' people fairly and standing up for their rights. In fact, his villainous actions may even be driven by [[MyCountryRightOrWrong his very love for his nation]] and his desire for it to be safe and prosper. Of course, this may also have negative aspects if taken [[UtopiaJustifiesTheMeans too far]].
43	* '''Passion.''' Emotion can be what gives life richness and value, but in some settings [[PassionIsEvil evil itself feeds upon passions]] and uses them to fuel its own ends.
44	* '''Patience.''' Most heroes are HotBlooded, but bad guys are patient [[TheChessmaster chessmasters]]. Plus if you were to wrong the villain, [[BestServedCold their revenge is often unexpected]].
45	* '''Resourcefulness.''' Another 50/50 split, resourceful villains are ''exceedingly'' dangerous because they will [[CombatPragmatist use any trick they can to win]].
46	* '''[[VillainRespect Respect]].''' Many villains tend to look down on the hero, but there are some that can be genuinely impressed by their skills or positive attributes. They may consider them a WorthyOpponent and take them seriously as an equal or as a threat. Because of this, they might go all out against the hero or [[FairPlayVillain fight fairly in a duel against them]]. They may also make an offer of WeCanRuleTogether if they take an [[VillainTakesAnInterest interest in their skills]]. They can also show respect towards their minions as a BenevolentBoss, never getting angry with their failures unless it's due to a careless blunder, being willing to respect their wishes, give rewards for jobs well done, being willing to let them leave if they so desire with their blessing, or honor their sacrifices.
47	* '''Responsibility.''' Some villains '''care'''. Even if they [[WellIntentionedExtremist go the wrong way about fixing problems]], they are a lot more sensitive to noticing them.
48	* '''Selflessness.''' Most villains who try to create a better world don't do it for themselves. They rarely expect thanks for bearing all the difficulties and many accept it that they [[NoPlaceForMeThere may not even be able to enjoy the results]]. Yet they are often willing to sacrifice their popularity and even their life for the greater good.
49	* '''Strength.''' Many villains value strength for its own sake, and for the power it gives them to control events.
50	* '''Temperance.''' While many villains tend to indulge their desires and whims, chasing after shiny objects, wallowing in hedonism, or engaging in [[EvilIsPetty petty cruelty]] just ForTheEvulz, there are some villains who know restraint. [[EvenEvilHasStandards They may consider such actions too heinous for even them]], or because [[PragmaticVillainy they don't want to waste time, energy or resources doing something detrimental to their goal]]. This allows them to avoid carrying the VillainBall or performing StupidEvil actions.
51	* '''[[VillainousValour Valor]].''' To quote [[Film/{{Highlander}} The Kurgan]] (and Music/NeilYoung): ''"It's better to burn out than to fade away!"'' Villains despise weakness. [[LastVillainStand So even when they know they're probably going to lose and the odds are in the hero's favor, they're not going down without a fight]]. After all, if you're trying to take over the world, you're up against pretty much ''everyone'', and thus it helps quite a bit to be able to look at an army [[RousseauWasRight six billion strong]], [[DefiantToTheEnd smile confidently, and say "Bring it on."]] In fact, this is one of the most common "virtues" for a villain to have, and a villain lacking it will often specifically be singled out as a DirtyCoward.
52	* '''Vigilance.''' Villains can be alert at all times, keeping their guard up and making it less likely for the hero to surprise them. Should they apparently defeat an enemy, they will not believe NoOneCouldHaveSurvivedThat and instead either DoubleTap or [[MakeSureHesDead make sure the enemy is dead]]. This will make them CrazyPrepared in the rare event the enemy does manage to turn the tides, and in the case of mooks and soldiers, allow them to avert TheGuardsMustBeCrazy.
53	* '''Wisdom.''' Believe it or not, villains can be wise if they actually learn from their failures or from the enemy. Being TaughtByExperience can help them improve their strategies and let them figure out how to accomplish their goals more efficiently. They'll be sure to stop themselves from juggling the VillainBall and avoid themselves from succumbing to the classic villainous overconfidence. They will also KnowWhenToFoldEm if the heroes have truly gotten the better of them, either [[GracefulLoser because they are good sports who are willing to accept a loss]] or know they can just try again another day. If they're being threatened by someone or something they clearly cannot fend off themselves, they'll swallow their pride and [[EnemyMine ally even with their sworn enemies]] in order to deal with this threat. If they aim to corrupt or [[EvilMentor mentor]] a good person, they won't expect a quick, drastic turn to the dark side, patiently letting their proteges to reach their evil potential at the right pace instead. If in a position of authority, they can be a ReasonableAuthorityFigure by listening to their advisors, being willing to accept failure from their minions so long as there is a good reason (and even then they will only give reasonable and fair punishments instead of acting like a BadBoss with a YouHaveFailedMe mentality), and also avoid doing acts of needless cruelty (even if it's only for [[PragmaticVillainy pragmatic reasons]]). They can also possess insight into other people that will make them better manipulators, able to deliver [[VillainHasAPoint accurate]] and effective {{Breaking Speech}}es and {{The Reason You Suck Speech}}es (like with '''Humility''' and '''Honesty'''), and even capable of averting -- to an extent at minimum -- EvilCannotComprehendGood.
54
55	Contrast MrViceGuy, where a hero has an emblematic vice, VirtueIsWeakness, where the villain explicitly rejects all good traits, and CompleteMonster, for villains who have no redeeming qualities (except for maybe ambition, valor, determination, passion and diligence).
56
57	Usually, whenever EvenEvilHasStandards comes into play, it's because the offender has violated one of the virtues listed above.
58
59	This can mostly overlap with PureIsNotGood, as being evil with most of the virtues can lead to that direction.
60
61	See also NegativesAsAPositive, when the bad personality traits themselves are given a good spin.
62
63	This trope is very, ''[[OmnipresentTropes very]]'' common. In fact, it also qualifies as UniversalTropes. Listing examples here would just be an exercise in futility.
64

Context Main / EvilVirtues