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Scar is not homosexual.
Deleted line(s) 46 (click to see context) :
* CampGay: He's sometimes very in touch his with his feminine way given his extravagant mannerism.
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* CampGay: He's sometimes very in touch his with his feminine way given his extravagant mannerism.
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Changed line(s) 234 (click to see context) from:
** [[spoiler: In the Lion Guard, he goes out of his way multiple times to make Kion look like himself out of petty spite and sadism, and when he reveals that the Roar would destroy the Pridelands, he cant help but gloat about it and throw it in his face.]]
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** [[spoiler: In the ''The Lion Guard, Guard'', he goes out of his way multiple times to make Kion look like himself out of petty spite and sadism, and when he reveals that the Roar would destroy the Pridelands, he cant can't help but gloat about it and throw it in his face.]]
Changed line(s) 236 (click to see context) from:
** [[spoiler: The Lion Guard reveals that the cobra bite he received sent him insane and caused him to become the monster that he was. However, the show also goes out of its way to emphasize that while the bite sent him insane, it is not a redeeming factor as he openly relishes in his darker instincts and he seemed quite happy at what the venom did to him]].
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** [[spoiler: The [[spoiler:''The Lion Guard Guard'' reveals that the cobra bite he received sent him insane and caused him to become the monster that he was. However, the show also goes out of its way to emphasize that while the bite sent him insane, it is not a redeeming factor as he openly relishes in his darker instincts and he seemed quite happy at what the venom did to him]].
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Changed line(s) 159 (click to see context) from:
* KarmicDeath: [[spoiler:He's killed by the hyenas that he threw under the bus while pleading for his life to be spared.]]
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* KarmicDeath: [[spoiler:He's [[spoiler:[[JustDesserts He's killed by the hyenas hyenas]] that he threw under the bus while pleading for his life to be spared.]]
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An Asshole Victim is an unlikable character who gets killed by something not directly caused by him. Scar gets killed by the hyenas directly because of his own actions, e.g. pinning the blame for Mufasa's death on the hyenas and making the Pride Lands far from the paradise he promised earlier.
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* AssholeVictim: Given all the emotional abuse towards Simba and how lazy and selfish he was for the whole movie, it's hard to sympathize with him when he gets killed and eaten by the same hyenas he let starve.
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* AssholeVictim: Given all the emotional abuse towards Simba and how lazy and selfish he was for the whole movie, it's hard to sympathize with him when he gets killed and eaten by the same hyenas he let starve.
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Changed line(s) 251 (click to see context) from:
** Like Kion in ''The Lion Guard'', Scar once led the Lion Guard during Mufasa's regime and was blessed with the power of the Roar of the Elders. But since the Roar was never meant to be used for evil, Scar was stripped of it when he killed his own Lion Guard for not supporting him in his plot to assassinate Mufasa. For this reason, Kion constantly regulates the use of the Roar, fearing he may end up becoming NotSoDifferent from Scar should he let anger poison his mind.
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** Like Kion in ''The Lion Guard'', Scar once led the Lion Guard during Mufasa's regime and was blessed with the power of the Roar of the Elders. But since the Roar was never meant to be used for evil, Scar was stripped of it when he killed his own Lion Guard for not supporting him in his plot to assassinate Mufasa. For this reason, Kion constantly regulates the use of the Roar, fearing he may end up becoming NotSoDifferent from Scar should he let anger poison his mind. [[spoiler:In season 3 of ''The Lion Guard'', Scar arranges for Kion to get an identical scar like he received from a cobra out of pure spite.]]
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Changed line(s) 167 (click to see context) from:
** The tone of the preschool-aimed ''The Lion Guard'' usually darkens quite a bit whenever he is mentioned, and [[spoiler: he is resurrected for the series as it began to delve into a much more serious storyline.]]
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** The tone of the preschool-aimed ''The Lion Guard'' usually darkens quite a bit whenever he is mentioned, and [[spoiler: he is resurrected for the series as it began to delve into a much more serious storyline. The entire series takes a much darker turn, moving out of preschool territory when Kion and the Guard meet him in person.]]
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Changed line(s) 20 (click to see context) from:
* AlasPoorVillain: Posthumously; in ''Lion King 2'', both Simba and Kiara laments that Scar couldn't let go of his hatred and when it eventually consumed and destroyed him, he was at the end his own worst enemy.
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* AlasPoorVillain: Posthumously; in ''Lion King 2'', both Simba and Kiara laments lament that Scar couldn't let go of his hatred and when it eventually consumed and destroyed him, he was at the end his own worst enemy.
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* BerserkButton: Mentioning how much better of a king Mufasa was than him, probably because deep down, even he knows that it's true. He can't stand hearing Mufasa's name, to the point that he makes a law against saying it in his presence.
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* BerserkButton: Mentioning how much better of a king Mufasa was than him, probably because deep down, even he knows that it's true. He can't stand hearing Mufasa's name, name to the point that he makes of making a law against saying it in his presence.
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* EvilOverlord: His reign as king was quite disastrous, as the Pridelands quickly turned into {{Mordor}}. He even [[BerserkButton explodes in anger]] whenever others complain about his rule or compares him to Mufasa.
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* EvilOverlord: His reign as king was quite disastrous, as the Pridelands quickly turned into {{Mordor}}. He even [[BerserkButton explodes in anger]] whenever others complain about his rule or compares compare him to Mufasa.
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* JustBetweenYouAndMe: When Scar has Simba trapped on the ledge of a gorge, instead of simply throwing him to his death like he did with Mufasa, he gloats at the moment and, thinking he's finished him off and about to celebrate victory, whispers to him that he really masterminded Mufasa's death. [[StupidEvil Huge mistake]] and huge aversion as Simba gains a huge HeroicSecondWind, forces Scar to spill the beans to the lionesses, and eventually defeats him in a fight.
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* PreMortemOneLiner:
** "Long live the king!" He delivers this to Mufasa before killing him to seize control of the Pride Lands.
** Scar tries to have a second with "I killed Mufasa" to Simba, but this gives Simba the HeroicSecondWind necessary to turn the tables.
** "Long live the king!" He delivers this to Mufasa before killing him to seize control of the Pride Lands.
** Scar tries to have a second with "I killed Mufasa" to Simba, but this gives Simba the HeroicSecondWind necessary to turn the tables.
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* WantsAPrizeForBasicDecency: As revealed in "Battle of the Pride Lands," [[spoiler:Scar expected to receive praise "near and far" for killing the rogue lion and his cobra companion, only to be furious when Mufasa just playfully ruffled his mane and nicknamed him "Scar". This is despite the fact that protecting the Pride Lands from such threats was part of Scar's ''job'' in the first place.]]
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* XanatosSpeedChess: Details from the beginning of the ''The Lion King'' strongly imply that his initial plan was to have Simba killed only, so he'd remove competition for the throne. It wasn't until the hyenas failure to kill Simba due to Mufasa's interference, as well as Banzai's sardonic question of whether Scar should kill Mufasa to get the throne that Scar even considered the idea of killing Mufasa in the first place. Even more impressively, when Simba makes his big return, after getting over his initial shock at Simba being alive, Scar is able to improvise and nearly win again by killing Simba.
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* XanatosSpeedChess: Details from the beginning of the ''The Lion King'' strongly imply that his initial plan was to have Simba killed only, so he'd remove competition for the throne. It wasn't until the hyenas hyenas' failure to kill Simba due to Mufasa's interference, as well as Banzai's sardonic question of whether Scar should kill Mufasa to get the throne that Scar even considered the idea of killing Mufasa in the first place. Even more impressively, when Simba makes his big return, after getting over his initial shock at Simba being alive, Scar is able to improvise and nearly win again by killing Simba.
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Changed line(s) 157 (click to see context) from:
* {{Jerkass}}: He's a manipulative, backstabbing lion who only cares for himself and is the most petty character in the series.
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* {{Jerkass}}: He's a Even when he's not being manipulative, backstabbing lion who only cares and self-centered, Scar is just plain nasty and unpleasant overall. He tries to eat Zazu for himself chasing away a mouse Scar was trying to eat, and is dismisses his own nephew as a "little hairball". After becoming king, he's even worse, being perfectly willing to let the most petty character in the series.Pride Lands go to hell and let all his subjects starve, and going so far as to physically assault Sarabi for comparing his rule to Mufasa's.
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Changed line(s) 93,101 (click to see context) from:
--->'''Kion:''' I'm worried about the Roar. The last time I used it, I was really angry. And it caused so much destruction!\\
'''Mufasa:''' The Roar of the Elders is very powerful.\\
'''Kion:''' I know. And that's why I'm thinking... ''[sighs]'' I shouldn't use it again. I... [[HeWhoFightsMonsters I'm worried that I might turn into Scar.]]\\
'''Mufasa:''' Scar cared only for himself. His selfishness fueled his anger. Why were you angry, Kion?\\
'''Kion:''' Janja and the hyenas. They were attacking my mom. I was so mad at them when I used the Roar! I lost control. And it almost hurt my mom. I almost hurt my mom!\\
'''Mufasa:''' Scar never cared for anyone else the way you do, Kion. So perhaps you should speak with the one you care so much about.\\
'''Kion:''' Right. I will. Thank you, Grandfather.
** In the episode ''[[Recap/TheLionGuardS2E17TheScorpionsSting The Scorpion's Sting]]'', his entire plan relies on trapping Kion at the volcano, where he won't be able to use the roar without causing an eruption. He simply does not account at all for the idea that one could be capable of using the power of the roar with extreme restraint.
** During the final battle in the Season 3 opener, [[spoiler:he is utterly astonished that Kion forgives him, and openly cannot comprehend that Kion showing empathy. His last words is that the Roar is a "curse," calling him out for his naivety.]]
'''Mufasa:''' The Roar of the Elders is very powerful.\\
'''Kion:''' I know. And that's why I'm thinking... ''[sighs]'' I shouldn't use it again. I... [[HeWhoFightsMonsters I'm worried that I might turn into Scar.]]\\
'''Mufasa:''' Scar cared only for himself. His selfishness fueled his anger. Why were you angry, Kion?\\
'''Kion:''' Janja and the hyenas. They were attacking my mom. I was so mad at them when I used the Roar! I lost control. And it almost hurt my mom. I almost hurt my mom!\\
'''Mufasa:''' Scar never cared for anyone else the way you do, Kion. So perhaps you should speak with the one you care so much about.\\
'''Kion:''' Right. I will. Thank you, Grandfather.
** In the episode ''[[Recap/TheLionGuardS2E17TheScorpionsSting The Scorpion's Sting]]'', his entire plan relies on trapping Kion at the volcano, where he won't be able to use the roar without causing an eruption. He simply does not account at all for the idea that one could be capable of using the power of the roar with extreme restraint.
** During the final battle in the Season 3 opener, [[spoiler:he is utterly astonished that Kion forgives him, and openly cannot comprehend that Kion showing empathy. His last words is that the Roar is a "curse," calling him out for his naivety.]]
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'''Mufasa:''' The Roar of the Elders is very powerful.\\
'''Kion:''' I know. And that's why I'm thinking... ''[sighs]'' I shouldn't use it again. I... [[HeWhoFightsMonsters I'm worried that I might turn into Scar.]]\\
'''Mufasa:''' Scar cared only for himself. His selfishness fueled his anger. Why were you angry, Kion?\\
'''Kion:''' Janja and the hyenas. They were attacking my mom. I was so mad at them when I used the Roar! I lost control. And it almost hurt my mom. I almost hurt my mom!\\
'''Mufasa:''' Scar never cared for anyone else the way you do, Kion. So perhaps you should speak with the one you care so much about.\\
'''Kion:''' Right. I will. Thank you, Grandfather.
** During the final battle in the Season 3 opener, [[spoiler:he is utterly astonished that Kion forgives him, and openly cannot comprehend
* HisOwnWorstEnemy: In ''The Lion King 2'', both Simba and Kiara lament that Scar's hatred is what eventually consumed and destroyed him.
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* MightyRoar: As the leader of the Lion Guard, Scar was bestowed with the Roar of the Elders, [[EvilCannotComprehendGood but he came to see it as another tool in his plan to overthrow Mufasa]]. He DidntThinkThisThrough completely as he'd be stripped of it if used for evil. Soon enough, the power went to his head and he asked his Lion Guard to assassinate Mufasa, but when they said no, Scar furiously used the Roar to destroy them, only to lose it permanently.
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* MightyRoar: As the leader of the Lion Guard, Scar he was bestowed with the Roar of the Elders, [[EvilCannotComprehendGood but he came to see it as another tool in his plan to overthrow Mufasa]]. He DidntThinkThisThrough completely as he'd be stripped of it if used for evil. Soon enough, the power went to his head and he asked his Lion Guard to assassinate Mufasa, but when they said no, Scar furiously used the Roar to destroy them, only to lose it permanently.
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* RoyalBrat: After becoming, it's clearly shown that Scar is not as cut out for ruling a kingdom as he thinks he is.
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* RoyalBrat: After becoming, becoming king, it's clearly shown that Scar is not as cut out for ruling a kingdom as he thinks he is.
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* {{Pride}}: Scar's arrogance prevents him from acknowledging that he's ill-suited to rule a kingdom or accepting responsibility.
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* SiblingYinYang: Unlike Mufasa, Scar is a ManipulativeBastard and willing to off his nephew if it means he has a shot at the crown.
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** His backstory shows that [[spoiler: he was bitten by a cobra, which sent him insane. However, while that ordinarily would be a solid FreudianExcuse, the show goes out of its way to show that Scar's darker instincts were already there, and the venom merely made him act out on them far more blatantly than he normally would have. He also clearly relishes in his insanity, as shown both by his actions in the original film and the Lion Guard, still having enough control to determine that he could have cured himself, in addition to the fact he could have asked about a cure, but voluntarily chose not to.]]
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** His backstory shows that [[spoiler: he was bitten by a cobra, which sent him insane. removed his morals. However, while the bite and the subsequent venom are shown to merely remove moral restraints, and only amplifies negative traits and desires. Furthermore, Season 3 shows that ordinarily would be a solid FreudianExcuse, the show goes out bite victim clearly still has control of its way their actions, and they are not compelled to show that do anything because of the sickness. As a result, all of Scar's darker instincts evil traits were already there, there in the first place, and the venom merely made him act out on them far more blatantly than willingly to embrace and realize them, not to mention he normally would have. He also clearly relishes in his insanity, as is shown relishing in what he did in both by his actions in the original film and the Lion Guard, still having enough control to determine that he could have cured himself, show itself, so there is no sympathy in addition to the his backstory, in fact he could have asked about a cure, but voluntarily chose not to.it just establishes Scar as evil from the get go, and the bite just brought it all out.]]
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* ADeathInTheLimelight: [[spoiler:The same episode that Scar is defeated in ''The Lion King'' is the same one which actually reveals most of his backstory.]]
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** During the final battle in the Season 3 opener, he is utterly astonished that Kion [[spoiler: forgives him]], and openly cannot comprehend that Kion showing empathy. His last words is that the Roar is a curse, calling him out for his naivety.
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** During the final battle in the Season 3 opener, he [[spoiler:he is utterly astonished that Kion [[spoiler: forgives him]], him, and openly cannot comprehend that Kion showing empathy. His last words is that the Roar is a curse, "curse," calling him out for his naivety.]]
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* SlasherSmile: The creepy smile he gives before tossing Mufasa to his death.
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* TheSlacker: Rules with slackness, causing the Pridelands to turn into a literal hellhole. A JustifiedTrope, as he wasn't properly raised to be king.
* SlasherSmile: The creepy smile he gives before tossing Mufasa to his death.
* SlasherSmile: The creepy smile he gives before tossing Mufasa to his death.
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* ThisCannotBe: Scar's reaction in Season 3 of ''The Lion Guard'' [[spoiler:when Kion summons the Elders to bring clouds that rain on the volcano.]]
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** [[spoiler:He finally breaks down when he is permanently destroyed by rain brought by the Elders in season 3 of ''The Lion Guard''.]]
--->'''Scar:''' The roar is a ''curse'', Kion! You'll see! SISI NI SAWAAAA!!!!!
--->'''Scar:''' The roar is a ''curse'', Kion! You'll see! SISI NI SAWAAAA!!!!!
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** [[spoiler: He could have asked about a cure for the cobra bite he received, given that he knew that it existed. But because Mufasa called him a demeaning nickname, when said nickname was clearly playful and not intended to be malicious, Scar just left it.]]
Changed line(s) 62 (click to see context) from:
** [[spoiler: He himself was corrupted by the unknown lion in the past.]]
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** [[spoiler: He himself was corrupted by the unknown lion in the past.past, though it is also made clear that his ideas for becoming king were always there and his mentor just caused them to emerge.]]
Changed line(s) 139 (click to see context) from:
* GoodScarsEvilScars: Is the BigBad and has a scar over his eye. [[spoiler:In ''The Lion Guard'', he describes said scar as the "mark of evil" and arranges for Kion to get an identical one. Of course, the "evil" part is largely due to the wound being inflicted by a cobra bite; the venom is seeping into the target's mind and corrupting their rational thought.]]
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* GoodScarsEvilScars: Is the BigBad and has a scar over his eye. [[spoiler:In ''The Lion Guard'', he describes said scar as the "mark of evil" and arranges for Kion to get an identical one. Of course, the "evil" part is largely due to the wound being inflicted by a cobra bite; the venom is seeping into the target's mind and corrupting their rational thought. However, while said bite can seep into the target's mind, the person bitten still possess control of their actions and can voluntarily get a cure, so Scar's attempt to justify why he acts like he does falls flat, especially given how much he relishes in his actions.]]
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realphabetizing
Deleted line(s) 21 (click to see context) :
* ANaziByAnyOtherName: The song ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkU23m6yX04 Be Prepared]]'', in which Scar rallies the hyenas into setting up a new age in Pride Rock, ruled by Scar and the Hyenas. The Nazi symbolism is quite clear during a sequence when the hyenas goose step, as the scene is directly inspired by ''Film/TriumphOfTheWill''. This makes the song especially chilling if you watch it in either [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NoUlrh2ap0 Hebrew]] or [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWm87HkaYdE German.]]
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* ANaziByAnyOtherName: The song ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkU23m6yX04 Be Prepared]]'', in which Scar rallies the hyenas into setting up a new age in Pride Rock, ruled by Scar and the Hyenas. The Nazi symbolism is quite clear during a sequence when the hyenas goose step, as the scene is directly inspired by ''Film/TriumphOfTheWill''. This makes the song especially chilling if you watch it in either [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NoUlrh2ap0 Hebrew]] or [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWm87HkaYdE German.]]
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* ANaziByAnyOtherName: The song ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkU23m6yX04 Be Prepared]]'', in which Scar rallies the hyenas into setting up a new age in Pride Rock, ruled by Scar and the Hyenas. The Nazi symbolism is quite clear during a sequence when the hyenas goose step, as the scene is directly inspired by ''Film/TriumphOfTheWill''. This makes the song especially chilling if you watch it in either [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NoUlrh2ap0 Hebrew]] or [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWm87HkaYdE German.]]
* AndNowYouMustMarryMe: Didn't make it into the final version of the film, but this trope was ''very'' heavy in one scene that was cut from ''Disney/TheLionKing''. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0WATOVmLtQ Scar was going to attempt to force Nala to marry him.]] Later, a similar scene found its way into the Broadway version.
* AndNowYouMustMarryMe: Didn't make it into the final version of the film, but this trope was ''very'' heavy in one scene that was cut from ''Disney/TheLionKing''. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0WATOVmLtQ Scar was going to attempt to force Nala to marry him.]] Later, a similar scene found its way into the Broadway version.
* TheBadGuyWins: For most of the film, Scar defined this trope magnificently by murdering Mufasa and manipulating Simba into thinking he was responsible before exiling him, then leading the Pride Rock lions and lionesses to believe both were dead. Scar rules with an iron fist, has the pride intimidated into not challenging his authority and refuses to allow any of the lionesses to leave the Pride Lands... but as fate eventually has it, Scar's triumph is temporary.
* BatmanGambit: Scar pulls a fairly sadistic one on Mufasa when he puts Simba in danger. It ends up getting Mufasa killed.
* BatmanGambit: Scar pulls a fairly sadistic one on Mufasa when he puts Simba in danger. It ends up getting Mufasa killed.
* CirclingMonologue: Scar does this to Simba as he confronts him for being responsible for Mufasa's death.
* TheCoup: Overthrows Mufasa in order to become the king of Pride Rock. [[spoiler:Simba eventually launches a counter-coup to regain his rightful status as king.]]
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* DidntThinkThisThrough: He didn't realize that being king takes more than just having your way, as even the hyenas think Mufasa was a far more competent ruler.
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* DidntThinkThisThrough: He didn't realize that there's more to being king takes more than just having your way, king, as even the hyenas think Mufasa was a far more competent better ruler.
* EveryScarHasAStory: [[spoiler:Season 3 of ''The Lion Guard'' explains how Scar obtained his trademark facial scar.]]
* {{Foil}}: Simba and Scar start the movie sharing the same goal, but over the course of the movie, Simba eventually learns to take responsibility and learn what it truly means to be a king, while Scar squanders his potential at being king by being very unhelpful during his reign.
* HandStomp: Scar ''claws'' Mufasa's paws while the latter is hanging from a cliff. He also does it to Simba during the final battle, but Simba gets the strength to lunge back after the "I killed Mufasa" revelation.
* KarmicDeath: [[spoiler:He's killed by the hyenas that he threw under the bus while pleading for his life to be spared.]]
* LifeIsntFair: Scar has this to say to a mouse he's caught:
-->'''Scar:''' Life's not fair, is it? You see, I ... well, I shall never be king. And you... shall never see the light of another day. ''[[GratuitousFrench Adieu.]]'
-->'''Scar:''' Life's not fair, is it? You see, I ... well, I shall never be king. And you... shall never see the light of another day. ''[[GratuitousFrench Adieu.]]'
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[[folder:O-W]]
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* PuttingOnTheReich: Scar's musical number "Be Prepared" has the hyenas goose-stepping in front of Scar in a sequence inspired by the famous Nazi propaganda film ''Film/TriumphOfTheWill''. The German dub of that scene is rather unnerving because of the Nazi parallels.
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* RoyalBrat: After becoming, it's clearly shown that Scar is not as cut out for ruling a kingdom as he thinks he is.
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* ScarsAreForever: [[spoiler:In ''The Lion Guard'', he describes said scar as the "mark of evil" and arranges for Kion to get an identical one. Of course, the "evil" part is largely due to the wound being inflicted by a cobra bite; the venom is seeping into the target's mind and corrupting their rational thought.]]
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* TheyDiedBecauseOfYou: Right after killing Mufasa, Scar tells Simba that he's responsible for Mufasa's "accidental" death.
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* UngratefulBastard: At the end of ''The Lion King'', Simba chases Scar to the top of a cliff, causing the evil lion to beg for mercy and pin the death of Mufasa on the hyenas, to which Simba actually tells Scar to [[IronicEcho "run away and never return"]], but Scar responds by throwing burning embers into Simba's face and attacking him while he is blinded. [[spoiler:He doesn't survive after his fight with Simba, though thanks to his blame on them, [[BadGuysDoTheDirtyWork the hyenas, angered by Scar's betrayal, do the job.]]]]
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* VillainousWidowsPeak: Scar has one that complements his dark, evil character.
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* WhatsHeGotThatIAintGot: A deleted scene in ''The Lion King'' has Scar asking Zazu what did Mufasa have that he doesn't. Zazu then lists off some things that Scar lacks of, like "adoring subjects, respect of your species, a loving family, and a devoted queen."
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* WouldYouLikeToHearHowTheyDied: Scar does this during the final battle to Simba, who was blaming himself all movie for the death of his father. [[NiceJobFixingItVillain Which is all the provocation Simba needs to turn the battle around and kick Scar's ass.]]
* XanatosSpeedChess: Details from the beginning of the ''The Lion King'' strongly imply that his initial plan was to have Simba killed only, so he'd remove competition for the throne. It wasn't until the hyenas failure to kill Simba due to Mufasa's interference, as well as Banzai's sardonic question of whether Scar should kill Mufasa to get the throne that Scar even considered the idea of killing Mufasa in the first place. Even more impressively, when Simba makes his big return, after getting over his initial shock at Simba being alive, Scar is able to improvise and nearly win again by killing Simba.
* YellowEyesOfSneakiness: The lions in the franchise have yellow sclerae by default, but only Scar plays this trope, who exemplifies this by being sneaky, crafty, and the main villain.
* XanatosSpeedChess: Details from the beginning of the ''The Lion King'' strongly imply that his initial plan was to have Simba killed only, so he'd remove competition for the throne. It wasn't until the hyenas failure to kill Simba due to Mufasa's interference, as well as Banzai's sardonic question of whether Scar should kill Mufasa to get the throne that Scar even considered the idea of killing Mufasa in the first place. Even more impressively, when Simba makes his big return, after getting over his initial shock at Simba being alive, Scar is able to improvise and nearly win again by killing Simba.
* YellowEyesOfSneakiness: The lions in the franchise have yellow sclerae by default, but only Scar plays this trope, who exemplifies this by being sneaky, crafty, and the main villain.
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* GoodScarsEvilScars: Is the BigBad and has a scar over his eye.
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* GoodScarsEvilScars: Is the BigBad and has a scar over his eye. [[spoiler:In ''The Lion Guard'', he describes said scar as the "mark of evil" and arranges for Kion to get an identical one. Of course, the "evil" part is largely due to the wound being inflicted by a cobra bite; the venom is seeping into the target's mind and corrupting their rational thought.]]
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* NeverSayThatAgain: He can't stand the mere mention of Mufasa's name, [[BerserkButton especially when his rule is compared to the former's]], to the extent he made a law against saying it in his presence.
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* DudeWheresMyRespect: He had this attitude when he led the Lion Guard, as he believed that he should have been given a hero's welcome for killing the strange lion, completely ignoring that his job is protecting the Pride Lands means he shouldn't expect that treatment for doing his job.
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* DudeWheresMyRespect: He had this attitude when he led the Lion Guard, as he believed that he should have been given a hero's welcome for killing the strange lion, completely ignoring that his job is was protecting the Pride Lands means he shouldn't expect have expected that treatment for doing his job.
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** He also serves as one to Kion in ''The Lion Guard'', in that both were the younger siblings to the heirs, led the Lion Guard, and were bestowed with the Roar of the Elders. What sets them apart, is that while Kion genuinely cares for his family and Lion Guard, and makes sure to regulate the use of the Roar after learning how Scar abused its power, Scar has no empathy for anyone, be it his brother or his own Lion Guard. Although Scar once had the Roar when he was in charge of the Lion Guard, he abused its power by destroying his own Lion Guard when they refused to support him in his plot to overthrow Mufasa, but since the Roar was never meant to be used for evil, Scar was stripped of it and became even more horrible as a result.
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** He also serves as one to Kion in ''The Lion Guard'', in that both were the younger siblings to the heirs, led the Lion Guard, and were bestowed with the Roar of the Elders. What sets them apart, is that while Kion genuinely cares for his family and Lion Guard, and makes sure to regulate the use of the Roar after learning how Scar abused its power, Scar has no empathy for anyone, be it his brother or his own Lion Guard. Although Scar once had the Roar when he was in charge of the Lion Guard, he abused its power by destroying his own Lion Guard when they refused to support him in his plot to overthrow Mufasa, but since the Roar was never meant to be used for evil, Scar was stripped of it and became even more horrible as a result. He later deliberately invokes this in their final battle in order to turn Kion into himself.
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* EvilIsPetty: [[spoiler: The season 3 opener has Scar arrange for Kion to get an identical scar to his one in order to corrupt him and become just like him. Scar's backstory also explains that after Scar destroyed the evil lion and cobra responsible for scarring him, he returned to Pride Rock expecting to be celebrated as a hero for saving the kingdom from a potential threat. Instead Mufasa merely patted him on the head and playfully nicknamed him "Scar". It's implied that Scar decided to kill Mufasa over what was very likely just a harmless joke.]]
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* EvilIsPetty: [[spoiler: The season 3 opener has Scar arrange for Kion to get an identical scar to his one in order to corrupt him and become just like him.him out of nothing, but sheer sadism. Scar's backstory also explains that after Scar destroyed the evil lion and cobra responsible for scarring him, he returned to Pride Rock expecting to be celebrated as a hero for saving the kingdom from a potential threat. Instead Mufasa merely patted him on the head and playfully nicknamed him "Scar". It's implied that Scar decided to kill Mufasa over what was very likely just a harmless joke.]]
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** [[spoiler: Before he reveals himself in the Lion Guard, he usually makes all of the events completely random, which is greatly aided by the fact no one in the show can make any connections to these strange occurrences.]]
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** [[spoiler: In the Lion Guard, he goes out of his way multiple times to make Kion look like himself out of petty spite and sadism, and when he reveals that the Roar would destroy the Pridelands, he cant help but gloat about it and throw it in his face.]]
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this is a series not a character trope
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* Lighter and Softer: Downplayed. While his presence in The Lion Guard is the start of the show’s darker tone, Scar is written more obviously evil, even calling himself evil (something his original counterpart never did). He is also more prone to evil laughs, again a direct contrast to how quiet and in the shadows he was in the first film.
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* {JerkAsas}}: He's a manipulative, backstabbing lion who only cares for himself and is the most petty character in the series.
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* {JerkAsas}}: {{Jerkass}}: He's a manipulative, backstabbing lion who only cares for himself and is the most petty character in the series.
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Changed line(s) 153 (click to see context) from:
* JerkAss: He's a manipulative, backstabbing lion who only cares for himself and is the most petty character in the series.
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* JerkAss: {JerkAsas}}: He's a manipulative, backstabbing lion who only cares for himself and is the most petty character in the series.
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* Lighter and Softer: Downplayed. While his presence in The Lion Guard is the start of the show’s darker tone, Scar is written more obviously evil, even calling himself evil (something his original counterpart never did). He is also more prone to evil laughs, again a direct contrast to how quiet and in the shadows he was in the first film.
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Changed line(s) 134 (click to see context) from:
* GreaterScopeVillain: In ''1 1/2'', where the main conflict is essentially the same of the first movie, but because they're telling from Timon and Pumbaa's point of view, the primary villains are the Hyenas, and Scar's machinations serve only as the background. And ''The Lion Guard'' shows that even after his demise, his sinister influence still cast its shadow, as Kion [[HeWhoFightsMonsters fears he'll end up like Scar]]. He then appears as the BigBad of Season 2.
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* GreaterScopeVillain: GreaterScopeVillain:
** In ''1 1/2'', where the main conflict is essentially the same of the first movie, but because they're telling from Timon and Pumbaa's point of view, the primary villains are the Hyenas, and Scar's machinations serve only as the background. And ''The Lion Guard'' shows that even after his demise, his sinister influence still cast its shadow, as Kion [[HeWhoFightsMonsters fears he'll end up like Scar]]. He then appears as the BigBad of Season2.2.
** In turn, [[spoiler:[[TheCorrupter the unnamed lion who]] [[TheManBehindTheMan served as Scar's mentor]] planted the seeds which drove Scar to villainy in the first film (and, by extension, behind all evil wrought by anyone allied with him).]]
** In ''1 1/2'', where the main conflict is essentially the same of the first movie, but because they're telling from Timon and Pumbaa's point of view, the primary villains are the Hyenas, and Scar's machinations serve only as the background. And ''The Lion Guard'' shows that even after his demise, his sinister influence still cast its shadow, as Kion [[HeWhoFightsMonsters fears he'll end up like Scar]]. He then appears as the BigBad of Season
** In turn, [[spoiler:[[TheCorrupter the unnamed lion who]] [[TheManBehindTheMan served as Scar's mentor]] planted the seeds which drove Scar to villainy in the first film (and, by extension, behind all evil wrought by anyone allied with him).]]
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* WeUsedToBeFriends: Scar and his Lion Guard trusted each other, only for Scar to become a FallenHero and destroy them.
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* JerkAss: He's a manipulative, backstabbing lion who only cares for himself and is the most petty character in the series.
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* BackstabBackfire: [[spoiler:He tries to blame the hyenas before his final confrontation with Simba. Unfortunately for him, the hyenas overheard him plotting and are NOT very pleased that Scar didn't care about them.]]
* EvilMakesYouMonstrous: He returns as a [[AnimalisticAbomination demonic entity]] in ''The Lion Guard''.
* FieryLion: He returns in ''The Lion Guard'' as a giant, flaming head in a volcano.
* KinslayingIsASpecialKindOfEvil: Crosses the line by assassinating his own brother in order to seize power. He [[WouldHurtAChild even tries to have a young Simba]] killed off as well.
* MakeAnExampleOfThem: His VillainSong is punctuated at one point by him backing one of his hyenas into an open fissure in order to assert his dominance over them in his [[EvilPlan master plan]] ([[spoiler:which makes his later death at their hands as a result of his exploitation of them [[HoistByHisOwnPetard all the more ironic]]]]).
* MakeItLookLikeAnAccident: This is part of Scar's bastardry, when he murders [[SiblingMurder his brother Mufasa]] and convinces Simba that his father died in an accident for which Simba was to blame, then tells the rest of the pride that Simba also died in the same accident after driving him away.
* MakeItLookLikeAnAccident: This is part of Scar's bastardry, when he murders [[SiblingMurder his brother Mufasa]] and convinces Simba that his father died in an accident for which Simba was to blame, then tells the rest of the pride that Simba also died in the same accident after driving him away.
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* MightyRoar: As the leader of the Lion Guard, Scar was bestowed with the Roar of the Elders, [[EvilCannotComprehendGood but he came to see it as another tool in his plan to overthrow Mufasa]]. He DidntThinkThisThrough completely as he'd be stripped of it if used for evil. Soon enough, the power went to his head and he asked his Lion Guard to assassinate Mufasa, but when they said no, Scar furiously used the Roar to destroy them. Due to using his powers for evil, Scar [[BroughtDownToNormal lost his power completely]] and sank further into villainy, becoming shriveled and horrible.
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* MightyRoar: As the leader of the Lion Guard, Scar was bestowed with the Roar of the Elders, [[EvilCannotComprehendGood but he came to see it as another tool in his plan to overthrow Mufasa]]. He DidntThinkThisThrough completely as he'd be stripped of it if used for evil. Soon enough, the power went to his head and he asked his Lion Guard to assassinate Mufasa, but when they said no, Scar furiously used the Roar to destroy them. Due them, only to using his powers for evil, Scar [[BroughtDownToNormal lost his power completely]] and sank further into villainy, becoming shriveled and horrible.lose it permanently.
Changed line(s) 239 (click to see context) from:
* StupidEvil: You know, Scar, [[RelativeButton telling your nephew about how you killed his father]] [[BondVillainStupidity doesn't exactly]] [[VillainBall scream brilliant]].
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* StupidEvil: StupidEvil:
** You know, Scar, [[RelativeButton telling your nephew about how you killed his father]] [[BondVillainStupidity doesn't exactly]] [[VillainBall screambrilliant]].brilliant]].
** Also, [[NeverMyFault pinning the blame]] on your hyena minions [[spoiler:was NOT a good idea.]]
** You know, Scar, [[RelativeButton telling your nephew about how you killed his father]] [[BondVillainStupidity doesn't exactly]] [[VillainBall scream
** Also, [[NeverMyFault pinning the blame]] on your hyena minions [[spoiler:was NOT a good idea.]]
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Changed line(s) 102 (click to see context) from:
* EvilIsNotAToy: [[spoiler:Implied when Scar is unimpressed with Ushari declaring his kind will rule the Pride Lands. Scar rather insincerely reassures him that they'll rule together before quickly vanishing.]]
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* EvilIsNotAToy: EvilIsNotAToy:
** [[spoiler:Implied when Scar is unimpressed with Ushari declaring his kind will rule the Pride Lands. Scar rather insincerely reassures him that they'll rule together before quickly vanishing.]]
** [[spoiler:Implied when Scar is unimpressed with Ushari declaring his kind will rule the Pride Lands. Scar rather insincerely reassures him that they'll rule together before quickly vanishing.]]
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* FreudianExcuseIsNoExcuse: His desire to rule over Pride Rock is somewhat understandable after tie-in books reveal that his father chose Mufasa over him, and his earlier inability to be taught how to hunt explains why his unified hunting policies also resulted in Pride Rock being turned into a literal hellhole during his rule. However, ''The Lion Guard'' completely nullifies it by emphasizing on his sociopathy ''even more'', because despite having the Roar of the Elders and tasked with leading the Lion Guard under Mufasa's regime, he instead killed his own Lion Guard when they refused to back him in his plot to overthrow Mufasa. He had a powerful and important position in the pride, by ''birth right'', already. The reason he tried to overthrow his brother was because he ''wasn't satisfied with just that'' and felt like he was entitled to the throne as well. He may have reasonable motives to rule over Pride Rock, but instead of making him sympathetic, it made his actions look ''worse''. ''The Lion Guard'' successfully shows that Scar truly was an evil, selfish monster from day one.
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* FreudianExcuseIsNoExcuse: FreudianExcuseIsNoExcuse:
** His desire to rule over Pride Rock is somewhat understandable after tie-in books reveal that his father chose Mufasa over him, and his earlier inability to be taught how to hunt explains why his unified hunting policies also resulted in Pride Rock being turned into a literal hellhole during his rule. However, ''The Lion Guard'' completely nullifies it by emphasizing on his sociopathy ''even more'', because despite having the Roar of the Elders and tasked with leading the Lion Guard under Mufasa's regime, he instead killed his own Lion Guard when they refused to back him in his plot to overthrow Mufasa. He had a powerful and important position in the pride, by ''birth right'', already. The reason he tried to overthrow his brother was because he ''wasn't satisfied with just that'' and felt like he was entitled to the throne as well. He may have reasonable motives to rule over Pride Rock, but instead of making him sympathetic, it made his actions look ''worse''. ''The Lion Guard'' successfully shows that Scar truly was an evil, selfish monster from day one.
** His desire to rule over Pride Rock is somewhat understandable after tie-in books reveal that his father chose Mufasa over him, and his earlier inability to be taught how to hunt explains why his unified hunting policies also resulted in Pride Rock being turned into a literal hellhole during his rule. However, ''The Lion Guard'' completely nullifies it by emphasizing on his sociopathy ''even more'', because despite having the Roar of the Elders and tasked with leading the Lion Guard under Mufasa's regime, he instead killed his own Lion Guard when they refused to back him in his plot to overthrow Mufasa. He had a powerful and important position in the pride, by ''birth right'', already. The reason he tried to overthrow his brother was because he ''wasn't satisfied with just that'' and felt like he was entitled to the throne as well. He may have reasonable motives to rule over Pride Rock, but instead of making him sympathetic, it made his actions look ''worse''. ''The Lion Guard'' successfully shows that Scar truly was an evil, selfish monster from day one.
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* HoistByHisOwnPetard: He is mauled to death by his own hyena minions after they overheard his betrayal.
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* HoistByHisOwnPetard: HoistByHisOwnPetard:
** He is mauled to death by his own hyena minions after they overheard his betrayal.
** He is mauled to death by his own hyena minions after they overheard his betrayal.
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* TheUnfavourite: Well, considering that his parents gave him a name that means "[[{{Greed}} wanting]]" or "[[AtrociousAlias trash]]," and gave his brother a name that means "king," it's pretty clear who was their favorite... Subverted in the books, where he ''thinks'' he's this but it's shown his parents actually do care about him.
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* TheUnfavourite: Well, considering Considering that his parents gave him a name that means "[[{{Greed}} wanting]]" or "[[AtrociousAlias trash]]," and gave his brother a name that means "king," it's pretty clear who was their favorite... Subverted in the books, where he ''thinks'' he's this but it's shown his parents actually do care about him.
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[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder:A-F]]
[[folder:A-F]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:G-N]]
[[folder:G-N]]
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* NotSoDifferent: Gives one to Simba during the climax, but despite being tempted to kill him for Mufasa's death, Simba ultimately refuses, asserting that he won't be like Scar.
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* NotSoDifferent: NotSoDifferent:
** Gives one to Simba during the climax, but despite being tempted to kill him for Mufasa's death, Simba ultimately refuses, asserting that he won't be like Scar.
** Gives one to Simba during the climax, but despite being tempted to kill him for Mufasa's death, Simba ultimately refuses, asserting that he won't be like Scar.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:O-W]]
[[folder:O-W]]
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*** Scar's behavior in this as well. At first, when Mufasa is calling for help, Scar seemingly ponders what to do, as if he's realized that there would be no turning back if he killed his brother. But to twist the knife even further, he gleefully tosses Mufasa to his death, perhaps indicating that had already planned the events out and knew exactly what he was doing all along.
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* WouldHurtAChild: He tries to kill his little nephew and his friend Nala by letting the Hyenas eat them. Later, he arranges a stampede where Simba is almost trampled to death.
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* WouldHurtAChild: He tries to kill his little nephew and his friend Nala by letting the Hyenas eat them. Later, he arranges a stampede where Simba is almost trampled to death.death.
[[/folder]]
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[[/folder]]
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[[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/scarfromthelionking.png]]
[[caption-width-right:250:[[labelnote:Click here to see him in ''The Lion Guard'']]https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/scarthelionguard.jpg[[/labelnote]]]]
[[caption-width-right:250:''"Long live the king."'']]
->''"Oh, I ''was'' first in line... until the little hairball was born...."''
-->'''Voiced in English by:''' Creator/JeremyIrons (''TLK''), Creator/JimCummings (''Simba's Pride'', ''Simba's Mighty Adventure''), James Horan (''Kingdom Hearts II'', Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom), Creator/DavidOyelowo (''The Lion Guard'')
-->'''Voiced in Latin American Spanish by:''' Carlos Petrel (''TLK''), Sebastián Llapur (DVD/BD version onwards)
-->'''Voiced in Japanese by''': Haruhiko Jo
-->'''Voiced in French by''': Creator/JeanPiat
-->'''Singing by:''' Jim Cummings (''TLK'', final verse of "Be Prepared")
The BigBad of ''The Lion King'' and Simba's paternal uncle.
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* ZeroPercentApprovalRating: By the time Simba comes back, even the ''hyenas'' of all animals admit that Mufasa was a much better king than Scar ever could be. Though, as revealed in the sequel and ''The Lion Guard'', Scar ''did'' have some supporters, Zira included, all of whom were banished from the Pridelands when Simba took over.
* AdaptationalVillainy: [[Theatre/{{Hamlet}} Claudius]], though still a villain, was a ''lot'' less evil than Scar (or at least, a lot more ''[[AffablyEvil pleasant]]''). He's genuinely kind to the queen (whom he married after taking the throne), told Hamlet to stay in Denmark so that he can succeed him as king, showed genuine concern for Hamlet's [[ObfuscatingInsanity apparent madness]] and at least had the decency to feel a little guilty over murdering his brother. Scar, on the other paw, abuses Sarabi after taking the throne, tries to get Simba killed because he doesn't want the competition, and shows absolutely no remorse over murdering Mufasa.
* AlasPoorVillain: Posthumously; in ''Lion King 2'', both Simba and Kiara laments that Scar couldn't let go of his hatred and when it eventually consumed and destroyed him, he was at the end his own worst enemy.
* AndThenWhat: Scar clearly didn't think about what to do after taking over the Pridelands.
* AnimalisticAbomination: Became one in ''WesternAnimation/TheLionGuard''. Now he's an incorporeal, dangerous entity.
* AnnoyingYoungerSibling: Mufasa regards him as this due to Scar's bitterness and lack of respect towards him. It proves to be a great underestimation.
* AxCrazy: When he is shown throwing Mufasa off the ledge it proves just how murderous he really is.
* BadBoss:
** Lets the hyenas run rampant over the Pridelands until even they run out of food, casually manipulates all of them into helping his selfish scheme and ultimately tries to pass the blame onto them when he tries to weasel his way out of justice. He also physically abuses them throughout his VillainSong.
** ''The Lion Guard'' shows that Scar had asked the other lions in his Lion Guard to help him take down Mufasa. When they refused, he used The Roar to destroy them.
* BeardOfEvil: His mane looks like a devilish goatee.
* BerserkButton: Mentioning how much better of a king Mufasa was than him, probably because deep down, even he knows that it's true. He can't stand hearing Mufasa's name, to the point that he makes a law against saying it in his presence.
-->'''Scar:''' I'm '''ten times''' the king Mufasa was!
* BewareTheSuperman: As shown in ''The Lion Guard'', he was once bestowed with the Roar of the Elders, but used it for malicious purposes, namely to usurp Mufasa’s position as heir. Because the Roar was never meant to be used for evil purposes, Scar was stripped of it.
* BigBad: The main antagonist of the first movie. Killing Mufasa and ruining the Pridelands. Returns as this again in ''The Lion Guard''. He was the GreaterScopeVillain in Season 1, with [[TheHeavy Janja]] tries to finish what he started in the past.
* BitchInSheepsClothing: He pulled this off with Simba by pretending to be a loving uncle when, Scar really wanted Mufasa and Simba dead so he could claim the throne.
* BondVillainStupidity: After telling Simba to exile himself from the Pride Lands, he orders the hyenas to kill him soon after rather than do it himself, and doesn't bother to make sure that they actually do the job. During the climax, his BreakingSpeech toward Simba would have worked... had Scar not decided to twist the knife even further and confess to Simba that ''he'' was the one who killed Mufasa.
* BrainsEvilBrawnGood: ZigZagged. He certainly is a great deal more fond of using manipulation and cunning to get what he wants, and he's very talented at both of these things. In addition, he admits that he is physically far weaker than Mufasa. When it comes to actually ''ruling'' a kingdom, however, he has ''no idea what he's doing'', and the Pride Lands goes from a lush savannah to a barren wasteland in a matter of a few years, all because of his incompetence. Upon Simba's return, however, he shows himself to be no less adept at the cunning manipulation that got him into power...and this trope is played with again when Scar proves himself to indeed be a viciously competent (if [[CombatPragmatist dirty]]) fighter when he's got no other options.
* BreakingSpeech: Gives a ''nasty'' one to Simba upon his return. It's so effective, if he didn't fall for the VillainBall trap, he'd have won with ''only'' this.
* BrilliantButLazy: He's very talented at using cunning and manipulation to get what he wants, but he doesn't even try to be responsible once he becomes king, leaving his hyena minions to work with the lionesses.
* BroughtDownToNormal: As revealed in ''The Lion Guard'', he once had the [[MightyRoar Roar of the Elders]], but after using it to kill his Lion Guard for refusing to help him overthrow Mufasa, the Great Kings of the Past stripped him of it, as the Roar [[BewareTheSuperman was never meant to be used for evil]]. Of course Mufasa didn't think he'd still be a threat after that.
* CainAndAbel: Scar is the Cain to Mufasa's Abel.
* TheCaligula: He is an absolutely terrible ruler, and threatens or intimidates anyone who tries to tell him so. The mere mention of Mufasa is enough to [[BerserkButton send him into a rage]].
* CantTakeCriticism: Whenever someone compares him to Mufasa or criticizes his rule, [[BerserkButton he promptly explodes in anger.]]
* CardCarryingVillain: He's aware of what he is and doesn't even try to justify his actions. For example, when Simba affectionately states "You're so weird", Scar tells Simba "You have no idea".
* CessationOfExistence: [[spoiler: In the season 3 premier of ''The Lion Guard'', Scar's spirit is destroyed when Kion summons the great kings of the past, who use spiritual water to extinguish his fiery spirit. Scar himself confirmed that this would cause him to cease to exist.]]
* TheChessmaster: His whole plan of getting rid of Mufasa and Simba. In fact, the plan would've worked had the hyenas went after Simba.
* TheChooserOfTheOne: Scar chose Kovu to defeat Simba. Likely a lie, since WordOfGod has confirmed that Kovu is an orphan, and has no biological connection to either Scar or Zira.
* ChronicBackstabbingDisorder: Family or lackeys, he'll double-cross them in an instant.
* ClassicVillain: {{Envy}} and [[UnstoppableRage Wrath]], with a little [[BrilliantButLazy Sloth]] in there as well.
* ColorMotifs: Green. First, he is the only character in the film (possibly the franchise) to have green eyes. Second, his VillainSong, "Be Prepared", has green in the form of lighting and smoke. And thirdly, green can represent envy, which is Scar's main reason for his evil deeds.
* CombatPragmatist: Starts off his fight with Simba by [[AHandfulForAnEye throwing burning embers into his eyes]].
* CompositeCharacter: The feline equivalent of [[Theatre/{{Hamlet}} Claudius]], and Theatre/{{Macbeth}}.
* CoolUncle: Scar plays himself up as this with Simba in one scene, telling him about the elephant graveyard and doting over his [[OverlyNarrowSuperlative "favorite nephew"]]. Except it's all just a front to send Simba to his death with no actual affection on Scar's end.
* ConsummateLiar: Part of his [[ChronicBackstabbingDisorder backstabbing personality.]] He'll betray anybody to save his own skin.
* CorneredRattlesnake: He'd rather weasel his way out of a fight, but when he realizes he's about to lose his throne, he resorts to battling Simba with ferocious vigor.
* TheCorrupter:
** To his nephew, Simba. Though it doesn't work when Simba's all grown up.
** [[spoiler: The season 3 show of ''The Lion Guard'' shows him attempting to do this to Kion.]]
** [[spoiler: He himself was corrupted by the unknown lion in the past.]]
* CowardlyLion: No pun intended. While he does favour brain over brawn to defeat his enemies, and while his first instinct when confronted with a fight is to run, when he's backed on top of Pride Rock, he proves to be a strong CombatPragmatist. Even though he's younger, Simba nearly lost against him.
* CruelAndUnusualDeath: At the end, he is eaten alive by his former hench-hyenas. Given Scar's occasional cameos in the questionably-canon Timon and Pumbaa series, some fans think that he [[HesJustHiding survived and is in hiding]]. In ''Lion Guard'', [[spoiler:he returns as a demonic fire spirit.]]
* DarkIsEvil: Scar has the darkest fur of the lions and is the BigBad. In ''Lion Guard'', [[spoiler:he returns as a demonic fire spirit, contrasting the more heavenly apparition of his brother.]]
* DarkMessiah: The animals of the Outlands begin to see him as this in Season Two of ''The Lion Guard'', remembering how he helped Shenzi's clan in the original film and seeking his aid to help them rise up against Simba and the Lion Guard.
* DeaderThanDead: [[spoiler: In the season 3 premier of ''The Lion Guard'', Scar's soul is permanently destroyed when the great kings of the past use spiritual waters to extinguish his fiery spirit.]]
* DeadpanSnarker: This line stands out:
-->'''Simba''': Uncle Scar, when I'm king, what will that make you?
-->'''Scar''': A monkey's uncle.
* DespotismJustifiesTheMeans: Quite happy to let the Pridelands go to hell in a hand basket if that means he can be King. He's also pretty upfront that he wants the job for the power and refuses to even acknowledge that he's supposed to have duties and responsibilities to go with them.
* DevilInPlainSight: Mufasa has no idea that his brother is plotting against him, and by the time he realizes it, it's already checkmate.
* DevouredByTheHorde: After Simba defeats him in a fight, [[spoiler:he gets surrounded by his former hyena henchmen and he gets eaten alive by them when they overheard that he betrayed them.]]
* DidntThinkThisThrough: He didn't realize that being king takes more than just having your way, as even the hyenas think Mufasa was a far more competent ruler.
* DirtyCoward: He does everything he can to snivel his way out of justice when confronted by Simba about Mufasa's murder, from making an inaudible "confession" to the lionesses to trying to pass the blame onto the hyenas to save himself. PlayedWith in the sense that he's still a badass fighter despite all this.
* DirtyOldMan: The musical adds a segment where he makes moves on the young adult Nala, desiring to make her his queen.
* DisneyVillainDeath: {{DoubleSubverted|Trope}}. When he plummets from the summit of Pride Rock, the fall itself doesn't kill him. [[FamilyUnfriendlyDeath It's the creatures he falls among that do]]...
* DissonantSerenity: [[spoiler:He is relatively calm and collected when he comes back as a spirit, despite having been mauled to death by hyenas]].
* TheDreaded: Has firmly established himself as this in ''The Lion Guard''. The animals fear him so much that they even consider leaving the Pride Lands to escape him after learning of his return.
* DrunkWithPower: According to ''The Lion Guard'', this is why Scar tried to overthrow Mufasa; having the power of [[MightyRoar the Roar]] went to his head, and led him to believe ''he'' should be king.
* DudeWheresMyRespect: He had this attitude when he led the Lion Guard, as he believed that he should have been given a hero's welcome for killing the strange lion, completely ignoring that his job is protecting the Pride Lands means he shouldn't expect that treatment for doing his job.
* EpicFail: His entire tenure as king was even more disastrous than one could've easily predicted, with the hyenas having hunted ''everything'' into nothingness, and the entire land now a desolate and barren wasteland. ''Not even the river was spared''. As Sarabi stated, living under his rule had truly become a death sentence. Even his hyena lackeys complain that Mufasa was a better ruler, even if he didn't allow them to live in the Pride Lands.
* EtTuBrute: His betrayal of Mufasa, his brother, by throwing him to his death. Judging by Mufasa's reaction, the latter had ''absolutely'' no idea that Scar was plotting against him.
* EvenEvilHasStandards: PlayedForLaughs. He cannot stand "It's A Small World After All".
* EvilAllAlong: Towards Mufasa and Simba, who only think of him as their loyal brother and uncle, respectively. Though they don't realize his true intentions.
* EvilBrit: He was voiced by Jeremy Irons in the first film. ''The Lion Guard'' has him voiced by David Oyelowo.
* EvilCannotComprehendGood:
** As discussed by Mufasa in the episode ''[[Recap/TheLionGuardS1E14NeverRoarAgain Never Roar Again]]'' of ''The Lion Guard''. Scar, having been bestowed with the Roar of the Elders when he was the Fiercest of the Lion Guard, thought of it as a tool for power, unaware he'd be stripped of the Roar if used for evil purposes.
--->'''Kion:''' I'm worried about the Roar. The last time I used it, I was really angry. And it caused so much destruction!\\
'''Mufasa:''' The Roar of the Elders is very powerful.\\
'''Kion:''' I know. And that's why I'm thinking... ''[sighs]'' I shouldn't use it again. I... [[HeWhoFightsMonsters I'm worried that I might turn into Scar.]]\\
'''Mufasa:''' Scar cared only for himself. His selfishness fueled his anger. Why were you angry, Kion?\\
'''Kion:''' Janja and the hyenas. They were attacking my mom. I was so mad at them when I used the Roar! I lost control. And it almost hurt my mom. I almost hurt my mom!\\
'''Mufasa:''' Scar never cared for anyone else the way you do, Kion. So perhaps you should speak with the one you care so much about.\\
'''Kion:''' Right. I will. Thank you, Grandfather.
** In the episode ''[[Recap/TheLionGuardS2E17TheScorpionsSting The Scorpion's Sting]]'', his entire plan relies on trapping Kion at the volcano, where he won't be able to use the roar without causing an eruption. He simply does not account at all for the idea that one could be capable of using the power of the roar with extreme restraint.
** During the final battle in the Season 3 opener, he is utterly astonished that Kion [[spoiler: forgives him]], and openly cannot comprehend that Kion showing empathy. His last words is that the Roar is a curse, calling him out for his naivety.
* EvilCounterpart:
** Scar serves as a [[ShadowArchetype "dark mirror"]] of sorts for Simba, with most of his flaws being exaggerated versions of Simba's own. One needs to just look at their big song numbers (''I Just Can't Wait to be King'' and ''Be Prepared'') next to each other to see this. Both crave becoming the king of the Pride Lands largely for the recognition that comes with it and gloat over how great they will be as king. Both are even showing not being above "bullying" so to speak, with Zazu being the biggest victim in that regard. However, Simba ultimately manages to "grow up" and accept responsibility, which leads to his ultimate victory, whilst Scar's apparent refusal to truly do either ultimately leads to both his downfall and death. The film seems to consciously acknowledge this during the climax where when tempted to kill him and Scar asks what he is going to do, Simba ultimately refuses, asserting, "No Scar. I'm not like you." Heck, both even have sidekicks in the form of outsiders with an obsession for food, but whereas Simba saw his sidekicks as true friends, Scar ill-treats his own like crap and ultimately betrays them to save his own skin.
** He also serves as one to Kion in ''The Lion Guard'', in that both were the younger siblings to the heirs, led the Lion Guard, and were bestowed with the Roar of the Elders. What sets them apart, is that while Kion genuinely cares for his family and Lion Guard, and makes sure to regulate the use of the Roar after learning how Scar abused its power, Scar has no empathy for anyone, be it his brother or his own Lion Guard. Although Scar once had the Roar when he was in charge of the Lion Guard, he abused its power by destroying his own Lion Guard when they refused to support him in his plot to overthrow Mufasa, but since the Roar was never meant to be used for evil, Scar was stripped of it and became even more horrible as a result.
* EvilEyebrows: Part of being the BigBad.
* EvilGenius: At least in the first part of the movie on how he planned to get rid of Mufasa and Simba.
* EvilGloating: During the climax, when Simba, still blaming himself for his father's death, is dangling from the edge of Pride Rock, Scar can't resist indulging in this and freely admits to Simba that ''he'' killed Mufasa. At this revelation, Simba pulls off his HeroicSecondWind and literally ''chokes'' Scar to get him to admit the truth to everyone else.
* EvilIsBurningHot: In comparison to the much more heroic Simba and Mufasa, who are associated with the sun, Scar is associated with fire. [[VillainSong "Be Prepared"]] takes place in an area with geysers and lava, and during the final battle, Pride Rock is lit ablaze by lightning. [[spoiler: Even when he returns in ''The Lion Guard'', his spirit is coated in flames]].
* EvilIsPetty: [[spoiler: The season 3 opener has Scar arrange for Kion to get an identical scar to his one in order to corrupt him and become just like him. Scar's backstory also explains that after Scar destroyed the evil lion and cobra responsible for scarring him, he returned to Pride Rock expecting to be celebrated as a hero for saving the kingdom from a potential threat. Instead Mufasa merely patted him on the head and playfully nicknamed him "Scar". It's implied that Scar decided to kill Mufasa over what was very likely just a harmless joke.]]
* EvilIsHammy: Zig-zagged. On the one hand, he can be very quiet and soft-spoken, which is more prominent throughout the first act (barring his VillainSong). On the other hand, he can chew the scenery as much as any other Disney villain, especially when excited or angry.
* EvilIsNotAToy: [[spoiler:Implied when Scar is unimpressed with Ushari declaring his kind will rule the Pride Lands. Scar rather insincerely reassures him that they'll rule together before quickly vanishing.]]
** [[spoiler: The lion who corrupted Scar offered to heal him if he did what he asked, but Scar simply killed him with the Roar of the Elders.]]
* EvilLaugh: At the end of "Be Prepared."
* EvilOverlord: His reign as king was quite disastrous, as the Pridelands quickly turned into {{Mordor}}. He even [[BerserkButton explodes in anger]] whenever others complain about his rule or compares him to Mufasa.
* EvilPlan: Kill Mufasa and Simba, and take over the Pridelands. Once he came back as an evil spirit in ''The Lion Guard'', Scar now wants to destroy the Pridelands and get his revenge on Simba.
* TheEvilPrince: Was evil even before taking over the Pridelands.
* EvilSlinks: He moves in an almost serpentine manner.
* EvilSoundsDeep: Thanks to the husky baritone of Creator/JeremyIrons. To boot, Scar carries a subtle reverb in his voice that becomes noticeably deeper whenever he is dripping with sickly-sweet sarcasm or completely loses control of his temper. Of course, his voice is considerably ''less'' deep than Mufasa's. Creator/DavidOyelowo in ''The Lion Guard'' also gives him a very deep voice.
* EvilUncle: To Simba, whom he tries to kill to get rid of Mufasa's sole heir.
* EvilWillFail: His plan turns out this way. He succeeds in becoming King, but the once-bountiful Pridelands quickly goes downhill under his disastrous and self-serving leadership. Even the ''hyenas'', of all animals, think that Mufasa's reign was better for them.
* FacePalm: After all, he's SurroundedByIdiots.
* FamilyUnfriendlyDeath: The hyenas [[spoiler:tear him apart and eat him]]. Of course, it's [[GoryDiscretionShot all shown in shadow]].
* FascistButInefficient: He's an effective schemer right up until he actually gains power, at which point his disregard for anyone but himself runs the entire kingdom into the ground.
* FatalFlaw: {{Envy}} and {{Pride}}.
* FauxAffablyEvil: He puts up a polite CoolUncle facade around Simba at first, but it's only to manipulate his nephew for his own benefit.
* FisherKing: Scar turns Mufasa's lush and green [[GhibliHills Ghibli Savanna]] into barren, dry, dead {{Mordor}}. Justified in that he allowed hyenas into said lands, who over-hunted with the lions restrained by Scar from keeping them in check. Fewer grazing animals from overhunting means more leftover vegetation, more vegetation means more fuel for brush fires once the dry season sets in. One spark from lightning and the whole savannah went up during the climax.
* FreudianExcuseIsNoExcuse: His desire to rule over Pride Rock is somewhat understandable after tie-in books reveal that his father chose Mufasa over him, and his earlier inability to be taught how to hunt explains why his unified hunting policies also resulted in Pride Rock being turned into a literal hellhole during his rule. However, ''The Lion Guard'' completely nullifies it by emphasizing on his sociopathy ''even more'', because despite having the Roar of the Elders and tasked with leading the Lion Guard under Mufasa's regime, he instead killed his own Lion Guard when they refused to back him in his plot to overthrow Mufasa. He had a powerful and important position in the pride, by ''birth right'', already. The reason he tried to overthrow his brother was because he ''wasn't satisfied with just that'' and felt like he was entitled to the throne as well. He may have reasonable motives to rule over Pride Rock, but instead of making him sympathetic, it made his actions look ''worse''. ''The Lion Guard'' successfully shows that Scar truly was an evil, selfish monster from day one.
** His backstory shows that [[spoiler: he was bitten by a cobra, which sent him insane. However, while that ordinarily would be a solid FreudianExcuse, the show goes out of its way to show that Scar's darker instincts were already there, and the venom merely made him act out on them far more blatantly than he normally would have. He also clearly relishes in his insanity, as shown both by his actions in the original film and the Lion Guard, still having enough control to determine that he could have cured himself, in addition to the fact he could have asked about a cure, but voluntarily chose not to.]]
* GeniusBruiser: Unlike his openly intimidating brother, Scar seems physically unimpressive. However, when the chips are down, he mauls Simba in the final battle. He's also TheChessmaster.
* GenreBlindness: He sends his bumbling minions to kill someone ''whom they've already failed to kill'', and just look at the results of the aforementioned EvilGloating.
* GoodColorsEvilColors: '''Black''', '''Red''' and '''Unnatural Green'''.
* GoodHairEvilHair: The slicked-back variety.
* GoodScarsEvilScars: Is the BigBad and has a scar over his eye.
* GoryDiscretionShot: His death is shown only in shadow.
* GreaterScopeVillain: In ''1 1/2'', where the main conflict is essentially the same of the first movie, but because they're telling from Timon and Pumbaa's point of view, the primary villains are the Hyenas, and Scar's machinations serve only as the background. And ''The Lion Guard'' shows that even after his demise, his sinister influence still cast its shadow, as Kion [[HeWhoFightsMonsters fears he'll end up like Scar]]. He then appears as the BigBad of Season 2.
* GreenEyedMonster: Several lines in "Be Prepared" imply how jealous he is of Mufasa's success as king and the "injustice" that he's no longer next in line for the throne after Simba's birth. Heavy emphasis on the "monster" part. He's a ''literal'' example as well, since he really does have green eyes. Also notice that, in RealLife, lions don't have green eyes, making the use even more metaphorical.
* AHandfulForAnEye: During the final battle between himself and Simba, Scar kicks it off by throwing burning embers into Simba's eyes.
* HateSink: Given that he's a ruthless, cruel SOB who killed his own brother in cold blood and blamed Simba in the process, it's not hard to imagine that Scar was meant to garner much of the viewers' hatred as possible. It backfired, however, as Scar became well-liked by the viewers for his awesome charisma.
* HerosEvilPredecessor: In ''The Lion Guard'', it's revealed that he led the Lion Guard under Mufasa's regime, and was blessed with the power of the Roar of the Elders. However, the power went to Scar's head and he vainly believed he should be king instead of Mufasa. But when the rest of the Lion Guard said no, Scar furiously used the Roar to destroy them. Due to using his powers for evil, Scar lost his power completely and descended further into depression, becoming shriveled and horrible. Kion fears that [[HeWhoFightsMonsters he may end up becoming]] NotSoDifferent from Scar, but regularly makes sure to regulate his use of the Roar.
* HoistByHisOwnPetard: He is mauled to death by his own hyena minions after they overheard his betrayal.
** In the Lion Guard, it is revealed that he told Zira that if he roared directly at a cloud it would rain. Zira later tells this to Kion, and he uses this to finish Scar off for good.
* {{Hypocrite}}: He pulls the family card while begging for mercy from Simba. This coming from a guy who previously murdered his own brother and tried to kill his nephew without batting an eye.
* IThoughtYouWereDead: The initial reaction of shock when Scar sees Simba return from exile, thinking him at first to be Mufasa. Then, the reaction of sadistic delight when he realizes it is his nephew, whom he feels he can easily manipulate into confessing a crime he didn't commit.
* IncomingHam: He's introduced giving a soliloquy to a mouse he caught and ''would'' eat if not for Zazu's intervention.
* InkSuitActor: Animator Andreas Deja watched Jeremy Irons's movies to put more of him into Scar - [[http://www.jeremy-irons.com/press/archive/18.html "Not that he looks like a lion"]] - and even added the actor's baggy eyes.
* {{Irony}}: In the movie, Scar is the runt of the litter and is self-admittedly not as strong as Mufasa. In real life, male lions with black manes are usually considered the most powerful lions of all who also attract the most females and will more than likely rule the pride.
* IShallTauntYou: Openly mocks Simba for being naïve about his motives when he reveals himself in The Lion Guard.
* ISurrenderSuckers: During the climax, he begs Simba for mercy. Simba agrees on the grounds that he go into exile. Scar starts to leave... but then kicks burning embers into Simba's eyes and attacks him.
* ItsAllAboutMe: "I'm the king, I can do whatever I want" sums his rule up. It's also a {{Deconstruction}} of the trope, as this view on life results in the Pridelands going to hell and him having a ZeroPercentApprovalRating.
** The Lion Guard reveals that he took Mufasa's relatively playful and harmless decision to call him "Scar" as an insult and this caused him to begin to scheme to get Mufasa off the throne.
* KickTheDog: So many times, but the moment when he strikes Sarabi for standing up to him really stands out.
* KickTheSonOfABitch: [[spoiler: Scar killing the unknown lion and his cobra friend with the Roar of the Elders would ordinarily be quite awful, except said lion explicitly just tried to blackmail Scar and turn him into a slave. If this is accurate, given that Scar is a known liar, then it would be really hard to shed tears for Scar abusing his roar that way.]]
* KillItWithFire: Scar's intent when he is about to throw Simba off Pride Rock, into a wall of fire; averted when Simba unexpectedly fights back. In the end, Scar is the one swallowed by a fireball, shortly after he is thrown off Pride Rock and is cornered and attacked by the hyenas.
* TheKingslayer: Murders Mufasa to seize control of the throne.
* KnightOfCerebus:
** The film begins quite cheerful, but when Scar kills his own brother and takes the power, the film definitely becomes dark. Before that, we also have his VillainSong, in which he shows his true intentions. He's also one on a meta level, since he's responsible for the first non-villainous Disney death onscreen.
** The tone of the preschool-aimed ''The Lion Guard'' usually darkens quite a bit whenever he is mentioned, and [[spoiler: he is resurrected for the series as it began to delve into a much more serious storyline.]]
* LackOfEmpathy: You're looking at someone who's willing to murder his brother and cub nephew, as well as gorge himself at the expense of others, without even a shred of remorse.
* LargeHam: In true Disney villain fashion. Producer Don Hahn even said part of Scar's hilarity is due to Irons adding disdain/insanity to lines that were by right delivered straight.
* LastVillainStand: By the end of the film, he's been outed as Mufasa's killer and has lost everything, but when Simba corners him on Pride Rock, he still makes one of these and attacks Simba.
* LeanAndMean: In contrast to Mufasa's HeroicBuild (and to a far lesser degree, Simba's).
* ManipulativeBastard: One of the classic movie examples and fitting for a villain in a Shakespearean-style film. There are very few characters in the story whom he does not deceive, and he sometimes manipulates others purely for [[ForTheEvulz his own amusement]].
* MarkOfShame: The scar on his eye, that even downright became his "name" because of this trope as punishment from his and Mufasa's father according to the books.
* MaskOfSanity: In the first part, he's able to cover his sociopathic nature beneath a charming veneer. Once things start going awry, he undergoes a severe SanitySlippage.
* MeaningfulName: He was re-named "Scar" because of the permanent scar on his left eye. According to the books, his real name is ''Taka'', which means "trash" or "wanting" in Swahili.
* MeaninglessVillainVictory: Yes, Scar killed Mufasa, drove Simba into exile, and took over the Pride Lands as king, but what did he gain from it? Considering the Pride Lands' condition at the time of his reign, not much. Bringing lions and hyenas together only allowed the latter to eat practically everything in the land, leaving no food or water for anyone, putting everyone on the brink of starvation, and thus, Scar won't have a kingdom to rule. In fact, Scar's claims of being able to do whatever he wants as king during this period basically confirms that he wants to be king to be in charge, and no other reason. His victory doesn't even last, as Simba returns many years later to take back the throne, which he eventually does.
* MightyRoar: As the leader of the Lion Guard, Scar was bestowed with the Roar of the Elders, [[EvilCannotComprehendGood but he came to see it as another tool in his plan to overthrow Mufasa]]. He DidntThinkThisThrough completely as he'd be stripped of it if used for evil. Soon enough, the power went to his head and he asked his Lion Guard to assassinate Mufasa, but when they said no, Scar furiously used the Roar to destroy them. Due to using his powers for evil, Scar [[BroughtDownToNormal lost his power completely]] and sank further into villainy, becoming shriveled and horrible.
* MotiveDecay: [[spoiler:In ''The Lion Guard'', his new goal is to build an army to destroy the Pride Lands. This is [[JustifiedTrope justified]], though; as a spirit, he is no longer in a position to rule over the Pride Lands, so he will simply have it destroyed as {{Revenge}} for his death.]]
* {{Narcissist}}: Scar is this to the double-digit nth-degree. He harbors deep resentment that Mufasa and not ''him'' has been named the heir to the throne of Pride Rock (even before Simba's birth and before Mufasa assumed the throne). He thinks he knows better than Mufasa, loves to hear himself talk, flippantly exploits others for his own gain, is a HeManWomanHater (as by how he treats the lionesses, particularly Sarabi and -- it has been implied -- Nala), considers his true mission as leader of the Lion Guard beneath him, has a colossally overblown sense of self-importance, seems to think he and he alone is somehow "special" and was destined by the powers-that-be to rule the Pride Lands, demands excessive admiration and unquestioned obedience he clearly doesn't deserve, displays arrogance and haughtiness to his peers as well as his underlings, is an EntitledBastard, displays a clear LackOfEmpathy, and is seemingly incapable of even considering the mere possibility that he is ever wrong about anything. He infamously blames the hyenas when cornered by Simba on Pride Rock and told that he is nothing but a lying murderer. This line from his VillainSong says it all:
-->Meticulous planning\\
Tenacity spanning\\
Decades of denial\\
Is simply why I'll\\
Be king undisputed\\
Respected, saluted\\
And seen for the wonder I am!
* NearVillainVictory: He gets everything he wants in the movie and would have gotten away with it if not for a moment of gloating self-indulgence.
* NewEraSpeech: He gives one to the pride when he takes position as leader. Originally delivered via a song that reprises "Be Prepared."
* NeverMyFault: Scar refuses to own up to anything he does, even using the hyenas as a scapegoat when confronted by Simba for his evil actions. [[spoiler:He ultimately regrets it.]]
* NonActionBigBad: Subverted. He complains early on about not having any of the "brawn" genes, relies on the hyenas to do most of the physical work, and he only attempts to kill those who have been incapacitated in some way. But at the climax, it turns out he ''can'' fight, and is able to hold his own against the much younger and more muscular Simba.
* NotSoDifferent: Gives one to Simba during the climax, but despite being tempted to kill him for Mufasa's death, Simba ultimately refuses, asserting that he won't be like Scar.
** In ''The Lion Guard'', Kion often fears [[HeWhoFightsMonsters he'll end up like Scar,]] hence why he frequently regulates the use of the Roar of the Elders, having been made aware Scar was stripped of the Roar for destroying his own Lion Guard when they refused to help him overthrow Mufasa.
* NotSoHarmlessVillain: Let's see, Scar kills Mufasa, and is perfectly able to go toe-to-toe with Simba in the climax. A bit out of place considering that he groans about getting the brains and none of the brawn in the beginning, but makes some sense when you consider that Simba has apparently lived only on insects and has been in a total of one fight (that he lost). This plot point makes even more sense when taking into account Scar's original character design as a much more bulky and brawny lion.
* ObviouslyEvil: Just in case you hadn't noticed all the EvilTropes above.
* OverarchingVillain: Easily the most important villain of the entire franchise, since each antagonist of posthumous material was affiliated to him. He's also the GreaterScopeVillain in ''WesternAnimation/TheLionGuard''.
* OnlyKnownByTheirNickname: According to a storybook published following the film's release, his birth name was ''Taka'' (Swahili for "trash" or "want").
* ThePeterPrinciple: His strongest desire was to become king. However while he proved deadly and conniving about setting that goal in motion, he proved completely incompetent in actually posing as king, only seeking the benefits and grandeur of the role rather than its important duties.
* PosthumousCharacter: In ''Simba's Pride'' and ''The Lion Guard''.
* PragmaticVillainy: [[spoiler:The only reason in the Lion Guard that he settles the debates between the members of his army when they disagree is to keep them united on their common enemy, or else he risks them breaking apart through infighting and throwing away their numerical superiority over the Guard]].
* PredecessorVillain: Serves as this to almost the entire franchise, following the first movie and his death.
** Of ''Simba's Pride'': the primary villain is Zira, who was one of his sympathizers and seeks to avenge him.
** ''The Lion Guard'' revolves around his great-nephew Kion forming a new Lion Guard and actively striving to not end up like Scar. [[spoiler:He's later brought back from the dead as a spirit to lead the villains of the series, effectively becoming the BigBad of Season Two.]]
* PrincelingRivalry: He resents Simba for having a bigger claim to the throne than him, being Mufasa's son. To ensure he gets to be king, he plots the death of his brother and then of his nephew so the throne would belong to him.
* PsychopathicManchild: Best exemplified by his "I am the King, I can do whatever I want!" excuse, because it is essentially the attitude of Simba as a cub, though it's doubtful that he would ever condemn his own subjects to death.
* PyrrhicVictory: His original fate in the alternate ending. He wins the fight with Simba by throwing him off Pride Rock, but is then burned to death himself when the fires surrounding Pride Rock engulf it. By throwing Simba off Pride Rock, he actually saves Simba from suffering that fate and allowing him to have his happy ending anyway, making Scar's victory in the fight meaningless.
* RedAndBlackAndEvilAllOver: He has reddish-orange fur and a black mane.
* RedRightHand: His scar, and his claws that are always bared (unlike the others).
* RealityEnsues: Being king means enormous responsibilities and the possibility of a revolt if said duties are neglected, and for this reason, [[ZeroPercentApprovalRating Scar gets hated by everyone]] for his incompetence, including the hyenas of all animals, for letting the Pridelands become a wasteland. As Mufasa tells Simba, "There's more to being King than getting your way all the time." This is why Scar ends up in major trouble, as his final attempt to [[NeverMyFault blame the hyenas for everything]] proves to be the last straw, [[TheDogBitesBack getting him torn to pieces by them.]]
* RelativeButton: You just ''had'' to get that last KickTheDog moment in, didn't you Scar?
* TheResenter: Scar resents his brother for being the King and also resents Simba because after his father, ''he'' will be king.
* ReversePsychology: How he tricks Simba into visiting the elephant graveyard.
* {{Sadist}}: As much as it can be shown in a Disney film, at least.
** He doesn't immediately eat the mouse he has trapped, preferring to play with him. Judging by Zazu's reaction, it seems that this behavior isn't seen as proper.
** He takes some moments to savor Mufasa's impending fate, gloating "Long live the king" and making sure that his brother fully realizes what his true nature is, instead of simply shoving Mufasa to his death. [[OhCrap Also Mufasa's expression when this is happening.]] Seeing someone so strong and powerful looking so terrified and helpless (not to mention [[EtTuBrute shocked at his brother's betrayal]], no less) is a whole new level of scary. Don't forget his helpless scream as he falls to his death, replaced with the scream of Simba as he watches his dad, who he just had a scene showing their closeness, fall to his death...
*** Scar's behavior in this as well. At first, when Mufasa is calling for help, Scar seemingly ponders what to do, as if he's realized that there would be no turning back if he killed his brother. But to twist the knife even further, he gleefully tosses Mufasa to his death, perhaps indicating that had already planned the events out and knew exactly what he was doing all along.
** This proves to be one of the causes of his demise, since attempting to do the same with Simba makes the latter fight back and reveal that he murdered Mufasa.
* SanitySlippage: More obvious in the musical, but still visible in the movie. The musical has a number called "The Madness of King Scar," where he begins to go completely insane.
** [[spoiler: The Lion Guard reveals that the cobra bite he received sent him insane and caused him to become the monster that he was. However, the show also goes out of its way to emphasize that while the bite sent him insane, it is not a redeeming factor as he openly relishes in his darker instincts and he seemed quite happy at what the venom did to him]].
* SanitySlippageSong: "The Madness Of King Scar" in the musical version. He grows more insane as the song goes on, eventually seeing the ghost of Mufasa everywhere and becoming desperate to have cubs to continue his line. He also becomes increasingly paranoid, believing that the lionesses hate him (which they probably do) and are plotting to murder him (which, again, they probably are).
* SatanicArchetype: Scar turned the Pridelands into hell after killing his brother, and made deals that only benefitted him at the expense of others, be it Simba or the hyenas. Lastly, his personality embodies all of the SevenDeadlySins, further enhancing his Satanic qualities. In ''The Lion Guard'', he even returns as a [[AnimalisticAbomination demonic abomination]], a stark contrast to the heavenly apparition of his brother. Also, it's revealed that like Kion, he once led the Lion Guard under Mufasa's regime and was bestowed with the Roar of the Elders, but the power went to his head and he furiously killed his own Lion Guard when they refused to help him in his plot to overthrow Mufasa, and was subsequently stripped of the Roar. Kion constantly fears that he may end up becoming NotSoDifferent from Scar, but regularly makes sure to regulate his use of the Roar. ''The Lion Guard'' emphasizes this ''even more'', since his so-called "FreudianExcuse" is nonexistent. He was ''always'' a monster.
* ScrewTheRulesIMakeThem: Deconstructed. "I am the king, I can do whatever I want!" sums up his immature attitude as king of Pride Rock. However, it also leads him to a ZeroPercentApprovalRating by all of the animals, including his own hyena minions, who even admit that Mufasa was a better king than Scar.
* SevenDeadlySins: Scar suffers from all of these sins.
** He believes himself to be deserving of power. He also refuses to abandon the Pride Lands, even if it means the death of his subjects. (Pride)
** He acts indolent even as the Pride Lands fall into ruin. (Sloth)
** He enjoys food while letting the rest of his kingdom, including his loyal followers, starve. (Gluttony)
** He is envious of his brother and nephew for getting the throne, and plots their deaths for it. (Envy)
** In a deleted scene, he comes onto Nala, eager to produce heirs. (Lust)
** He wants power and will destroy anyone to get it. (Greed)
** He gets enraged when Mufasa is mentioned to him, and he attacks Sarabi for comparing him unfavorably to Mufasa. (Wrath)
* ShadowArchetype:
** Like Simba, he has an immature understanding of being king, as he believes it is only about getting your way all the time. But unlike Simba, he is willing to go to terrible lengths just to become king; he even does not assume responsibility for his actions and tries to blame the hyenas for ruining the kingdom, and worst of all, tries to kill Simba just so he can continue to have power. Not only that, he is a terrible ruler, as he pretty much acts like a 3-year old pretending to be a king when he gets a hold of power. But, once Simba does defeat him, he more or less removes himself from his childishness, as he grows up while Scar doesn't.
** Like Kion in ''The Lion Guard'', Scar once led the Lion Guard during Mufasa's regime and was blessed with the power of the Roar of the Elders. But since the Roar was never meant to be used for evil, Scar was stripped of it when he killed his own Lion Guard for not supporting him in his plot to assassinate Mufasa. For this reason, Kion constantly regulates the use of the Roar, fearing he may end up becoming NotSoDifferent from Scar should he let anger poison his mind.
* SicEm: "Kill him."
* SissyVillain: He's rather effeminate and theatrical.
* SketchySuccessor: Scar's rule over Pride Lands [[TheCaligula proves to be disastrous]] mainly because of his incompetence and laziness. A JustifiedTrope, as he wasn't properly raised to be king, so he doesn't realize that [[RealityEnsues there's more to this]] than just openly threatening others whenever they complain about his reign. Because of this, he refuses to accept responsibility for his disastrous rule and earns a ZeroPercentApprovalRating from all animals for his tyranny.
* SlasherSmile: The creepy smile he gives before tossing Mufasa to his death.
* SmallNameBigEgo: Has a very high opinion of himself and believes himself to be an even greater king than Mufasa ever was. In truth, his reign led to the destruction of the Pridelands and he stubbornly refused to accept responsibility for what his ineffectual rule had caused, lashing out violently whenever anyone so much as mentioned his brother's name.
* SmugSnake:
** After becoming king. Although Scar was a master of manipulating everyone around him to seize the power he craved, he proved to be utterly incompetent at actually ''using'' the power once he had it, though this was more due to laziness and selfishness than a lack of intelligence. He hadn't been raised to be a king, so he had no experience. Like Simba as a cub, he thought that it was just all about the power and the glory rather than actual hard work. He'd originally persuaded the hyenas to support him by promising that they'd never go hungry again, but the drought in the Pride Lands leads to a famine and causes the hyenas to begin grumbling about Scar even before Simba comes back.
** Even before becoming King he showed signs of this. Like [[Disney/{{Aladdin}} Jafar]], he's a supposed ManipulativeBastard with the glaring flaw of being ObviouslyEvil and doing nothing to counteract it. Often meaning that the only reason he has any success whatsoever is that everyone in the movie is a HorribleJudgeOfCharacter.
* {{Sssssnaketalk}}: Does this a lot, especially when gloating.
* TheSoCalledCoward: The film describes Scar as a skinny weakling, who openly admits that he's no match for Mufasa in a fight. During the climax, he begs Simba for mercy, but as soon as said mercy is granted, Scar attacks Simba at full force and nearly beats him.
** If you watch the shadows closely, [[spoiler: you'll notice he goes down fighting when the hyenas attack him en masse.]]
* TheSociopath: Family or lackeys, he'll abandon them at the drop of a hat. He's a highly functioning sociopath, able to hide his true self beneath a veneer of charming manners, by faking his sadness after letting Mufasa and seemingly Simba perish in the wildebeest stampede. However, he has the classic traits of a true sociopath, since he is lazy, irresponsible, insensitive, ruthless, greedy and self-centered. ''The Lion Guard'' emphasizes his sociopathy ''even more'', since his supposed "FreudianExcuse" is nonexistent. He was ''always'' a monster.
* SoftSpokenSadist: He like to keep a low tone at times.
* StrikeMeDownWithAllOfYourHatred: Attempts invoking this on Simba during the climax, but despite being tempted to kill him for Mufasa's murder, Simba refuses, asserting that he won't be NotSoDifferent from the lion who killed his own brother.
* StrongerThanTheyLook: He looks scrawny and admits himself that he's lacking in the physical strength department. However, when he's backed on top of Pride Rock with nowhere to run, he proves to be strong enough (and [[CombatPragmatist cunning]] enough) to almost defeat the younger Simba.
* StupidEvil: You know, Scar, [[RelativeButton telling your nephew about how you killed his father]] [[BondVillainStupidity doesn't exactly]] [[VillainBall scream brilliant]].
* SuddenlyShouting:
** When addressing the hyenas in "[[VillainSong Be Prepared]]."
--->''The future is littered with prizes''\\
''And though I'm the main addressee,''\\
''Point that I must emphasize is,''\\
'''''You won't get a sniff without me!''''' (A random hyena falls into the crack in the ground.)
** He loses his temper and starts shouting whenever Mufasa is mentioned.
* SurroundedByIdiots: Stated word for word.
* TakingYouWithMe: [[spoiler:After coming back as a spirit in ''The Lion Guard'', he decides that if he couldn't rule the Pridelands while alive, then the Pridelands cannot outlive him, so his endgame was to see the Pridelands burn before him]].
* TallDarkAndSnarky: A BigBad lion version.
* ThatManIsDead: He absolutely despises his brother and refuses to hear his name uttered in his presence when he becomes king; when the weight of his tyranny is revealed, the whole of the Pridelands are relieved that he is dead and gone.
* TooDumbToLive: Telling Simba he killed Mufasa sets up his downfall. If that isn't bad enough, he lies to Simba about Mufasa's death by blaming it on the hyenas. [[TheDogBitesBack He pays for that dearly]].
* TyrantTakesTheHelm: Once he ultimately takes over the Pridelands.
* TheUnfavourite: Well, considering that his parents gave him a name that means "[[{{Greed}} wanting]]" or "[[AtrociousAlias trash]]," and gave his brother a name that means "king," it's pretty clear who was their favorite... Subverted in the books, where he ''thinks'' he's this but it's shown his parents actually do care about him.
* UsedToBeASweetKid: Implied in ''The Lion Guard'', where a flashback shows him to be brighter-eyed and was led into the path of evil by a mentor, who fed him the idea that him having the Roar shows that he's capable of having more power.
* TheUsurper: He concocted his whole EvilPlan in order to take over the Pridelands.
* VictoryIsBoring: He learns this after he took care of Mufasa and Simba and claimed the throne.
* VileVillainSaccharineShow: Simply put, he gets the honor of committing the first onscreen murder in a Disney film, among other things. He's also the darkest villain in ''The Lion Guard''.
* VillainBall: Having Simba trapped at the edge of Pride Rock and precariously clinging to the side, an overconfident Scar gloats about his nephew's imminent fate and -- sure he will never stand justice, after having coerced him into admitting responsibility for his father's death -- whispers that he actually plotted to kill Mufasa. He never thinks to simply throw him off, and is taken by surprise when Simba gains a huge HeroicSecondWind and leaps over the edge of Pride Rock to gain the upper hand.
* VillainDecay: A rare intentional example. Scar manipulates ''everyone'' to make sure he gets what he wants. As soon as he gets it, he acts like a child. This was done to exemplify that he's not as cut out for ruling a kingdom as he thinks he is.
* VillainHasAPoint: Scar "warning" Simba about the dangers of the elephant graveyard was an act of ReversePsychology to lure him in, but if it were played straight, it ''is'' considerably helpful advice to stay out of trouble.
* VillainSong: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0AiN8vrn9Y&feature=related "Be Prepared"]] were he explains to the Hyenas how he intended to murder his brother and nephew to become king. There is also a cut [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEBOYTGy3mY reprise]] to "Be Prepared" were he expresses his desire to make Nala his queen, and introduces the Hyenas as his 'executive staff.' ''The Lion Guard'' gives him "I Have A Plan" in which he lays the groundwork for assembling a legion of antagonistic Outland animals to take over the Pride Lands.
* VillainousBreakdown:
** "The Madness of King Scar" in the Broadway musical version, a song that really focuses on his shift from MagnificentBastard to SmugSnake in his reign as king.
** The original ending of the film had a far more pronounced one. After his fight with Simba, which ends with Simba being the one thrown off Pride Rock (but lives), Scar is last seen [[LaughingMad laughing insanely]] as the fires surrounding Pride Rock engulf and kill him.
* VillainousLegacy: His sinister influence is still felt years after his death, since the primary villains in the sequel and TV show are his sympathizers wanting revenge. In ''The Lion Guard'', Kion often fears that he'll end up becoming like Scar.
* VillainsWantMercy: The minute Simba corners him at the top of Pride Rock, Scar starts desperately begging him for mercy, pulling such cards as reminding him they're family and [[NeverMyFault blaming the hyenas for his own actions]]. Simba ultimately opts to let Scar go on the condition that he go into exile; Scar turns to leave, but then kicks burning embers into Simba's eyes and attacks him. When he loses the subsequent fight and is thrown off of Pride Rock, he's met with the hyenas, who overheard ''everything'', and tries begging for his life again... with no such luck.
* WantingIsBetterThanHaving: After killing Mufasa and finally becoming the King of Pride Rock, he ends up turning the paradise to ruins. Scar is obviously too proud to admit that he wasn't cut out for the job.
* WeakButSkilled: He freely admits to not measuring up to Mufasa's level of strength, but he is a good short-term schemer and CombatPragmatist, and he is able to fight evenly with the younger Simba.
* WickedCultured: Not only is his speech the more refined in the movie, but somehow he knows about the gene pool.
* WouldHitAGirl: He smacks Sarabi hard for [[BerserkButton mentioning Mufasa in his presence]] during an argument, [[OhCrap then notices a very angry Simba watching above]].
* WouldHurtAChild: He tries to kill his little nephew and his friend Nala by letting the Hyenas eat them. Later, he arranges a stampede where Simba is almost trampled to death.
[[caption-width-right:250:[[labelnote:Click here to see him in ''The Lion Guard'']]https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/scarthelionguard.jpg[[/labelnote]]]]
[[caption-width-right:250:''"Long live the king."'']]
->''"Oh, I ''was'' first in line... until the little hairball was born...."''
-->'''Voiced in English by:''' Creator/JeremyIrons (''TLK''), Creator/JimCummings (''Simba's Pride'', ''Simba's Mighty Adventure''), James Horan (''Kingdom Hearts II'', Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom), Creator/DavidOyelowo (''The Lion Guard'')
-->'''Voiced in Latin American Spanish by:''' Carlos Petrel (''TLK''), Sebastián Llapur (DVD/BD version onwards)
-->'''Voiced in Japanese by''': Haruhiko Jo
-->'''Voiced in French by''': Creator/JeanPiat
-->'''Singing by:''' Jim Cummings (''TLK'', final verse of "Be Prepared")
The BigBad of ''The Lion King'' and Simba's paternal uncle.
----
* ZeroPercentApprovalRating: By the time Simba comes back, even the ''hyenas'' of all animals admit that Mufasa was a much better king than Scar ever could be. Though, as revealed in the sequel and ''The Lion Guard'', Scar ''did'' have some supporters, Zira included, all of whom were banished from the Pridelands when Simba took over.
* AdaptationalVillainy: [[Theatre/{{Hamlet}} Claudius]], though still a villain, was a ''lot'' less evil than Scar (or at least, a lot more ''[[AffablyEvil pleasant]]''). He's genuinely kind to the queen (whom he married after taking the throne), told Hamlet to stay in Denmark so that he can succeed him as king, showed genuine concern for Hamlet's [[ObfuscatingInsanity apparent madness]] and at least had the decency to feel a little guilty over murdering his brother. Scar, on the other paw, abuses Sarabi after taking the throne, tries to get Simba killed because he doesn't want the competition, and shows absolutely no remorse over murdering Mufasa.
* AlasPoorVillain: Posthumously; in ''Lion King 2'', both Simba and Kiara laments that Scar couldn't let go of his hatred and when it eventually consumed and destroyed him, he was at the end his own worst enemy.
* AndThenWhat: Scar clearly didn't think about what to do after taking over the Pridelands.
* AnimalisticAbomination: Became one in ''WesternAnimation/TheLionGuard''. Now he's an incorporeal, dangerous entity.
* AnnoyingYoungerSibling: Mufasa regards him as this due to Scar's bitterness and lack of respect towards him. It proves to be a great underestimation.
* AxCrazy: When he is shown throwing Mufasa off the ledge it proves just how murderous he really is.
* BadBoss:
** Lets the hyenas run rampant over the Pridelands until even they run out of food, casually manipulates all of them into helping his selfish scheme and ultimately tries to pass the blame onto them when he tries to weasel his way out of justice. He also physically abuses them throughout his VillainSong.
** ''The Lion Guard'' shows that Scar had asked the other lions in his Lion Guard to help him take down Mufasa. When they refused, he used The Roar to destroy them.
* BeardOfEvil: His mane looks like a devilish goatee.
* BerserkButton: Mentioning how much better of a king Mufasa was than him, probably because deep down, even he knows that it's true. He can't stand hearing Mufasa's name, to the point that he makes a law against saying it in his presence.
-->'''Scar:''' I'm '''ten times''' the king Mufasa was!
* BewareTheSuperman: As shown in ''The Lion Guard'', he was once bestowed with the Roar of the Elders, but used it for malicious purposes, namely to usurp Mufasa’s position as heir. Because the Roar was never meant to be used for evil purposes, Scar was stripped of it.
* BigBad: The main antagonist of the first movie. Killing Mufasa and ruining the Pridelands. Returns as this again in ''The Lion Guard''. He was the GreaterScopeVillain in Season 1, with [[TheHeavy Janja]] tries to finish what he started in the past.
* BitchInSheepsClothing: He pulled this off with Simba by pretending to be a loving uncle when, Scar really wanted Mufasa and Simba dead so he could claim the throne.
* BondVillainStupidity: After telling Simba to exile himself from the Pride Lands, he orders the hyenas to kill him soon after rather than do it himself, and doesn't bother to make sure that they actually do the job. During the climax, his BreakingSpeech toward Simba would have worked... had Scar not decided to twist the knife even further and confess to Simba that ''he'' was the one who killed Mufasa.
* BrainsEvilBrawnGood: ZigZagged. He certainly is a great deal more fond of using manipulation and cunning to get what he wants, and he's very talented at both of these things. In addition, he admits that he is physically far weaker than Mufasa. When it comes to actually ''ruling'' a kingdom, however, he has ''no idea what he's doing'', and the Pride Lands goes from a lush savannah to a barren wasteland in a matter of a few years, all because of his incompetence. Upon Simba's return, however, he shows himself to be no less adept at the cunning manipulation that got him into power...and this trope is played with again when Scar proves himself to indeed be a viciously competent (if [[CombatPragmatist dirty]]) fighter when he's got no other options.
* BreakingSpeech: Gives a ''nasty'' one to Simba upon his return. It's so effective, if he didn't fall for the VillainBall trap, he'd have won with ''only'' this.
* BrilliantButLazy: He's very talented at using cunning and manipulation to get what he wants, but he doesn't even try to be responsible once he becomes king, leaving his hyena minions to work with the lionesses.
* BroughtDownToNormal: As revealed in ''The Lion Guard'', he once had the [[MightyRoar Roar of the Elders]], but after using it to kill his Lion Guard for refusing to help him overthrow Mufasa, the Great Kings of the Past stripped him of it, as the Roar [[BewareTheSuperman was never meant to be used for evil]]. Of course Mufasa didn't think he'd still be a threat after that.
* CainAndAbel: Scar is the Cain to Mufasa's Abel.
* TheCaligula: He is an absolutely terrible ruler, and threatens or intimidates anyone who tries to tell him so. The mere mention of Mufasa is enough to [[BerserkButton send him into a rage]].
* CantTakeCriticism: Whenever someone compares him to Mufasa or criticizes his rule, [[BerserkButton he promptly explodes in anger.]]
* CardCarryingVillain: He's aware of what he is and doesn't even try to justify his actions. For example, when Simba affectionately states "You're so weird", Scar tells Simba "You have no idea".
* CessationOfExistence: [[spoiler: In the season 3 premier of ''The Lion Guard'', Scar's spirit is destroyed when Kion summons the great kings of the past, who use spiritual water to extinguish his fiery spirit. Scar himself confirmed that this would cause him to cease to exist.]]
* TheChessmaster: His whole plan of getting rid of Mufasa and Simba. In fact, the plan would've worked had the hyenas went after Simba.
* TheChooserOfTheOne: Scar chose Kovu to defeat Simba. Likely a lie, since WordOfGod has confirmed that Kovu is an orphan, and has no biological connection to either Scar or Zira.
* ChronicBackstabbingDisorder: Family or lackeys, he'll double-cross them in an instant.
* ClassicVillain: {{Envy}} and [[UnstoppableRage Wrath]], with a little [[BrilliantButLazy Sloth]] in there as well.
* ColorMotifs: Green. First, he is the only character in the film (possibly the franchise) to have green eyes. Second, his VillainSong, "Be Prepared", has green in the form of lighting and smoke. And thirdly, green can represent envy, which is Scar's main reason for his evil deeds.
* CombatPragmatist: Starts off his fight with Simba by [[AHandfulForAnEye throwing burning embers into his eyes]].
* CompositeCharacter: The feline equivalent of [[Theatre/{{Hamlet}} Claudius]], and Theatre/{{Macbeth}}.
* CoolUncle: Scar plays himself up as this with Simba in one scene, telling him about the elephant graveyard and doting over his [[OverlyNarrowSuperlative "favorite nephew"]]. Except it's all just a front to send Simba to his death with no actual affection on Scar's end.
* ConsummateLiar: Part of his [[ChronicBackstabbingDisorder backstabbing personality.]] He'll betray anybody to save his own skin.
* CorneredRattlesnake: He'd rather weasel his way out of a fight, but when he realizes he's about to lose his throne, he resorts to battling Simba with ferocious vigor.
* TheCorrupter:
** To his nephew, Simba. Though it doesn't work when Simba's all grown up.
** [[spoiler: The season 3 show of ''The Lion Guard'' shows him attempting to do this to Kion.]]
** [[spoiler: He himself was corrupted by the unknown lion in the past.]]
* CowardlyLion: No pun intended. While he does favour brain over brawn to defeat his enemies, and while his first instinct when confronted with a fight is to run, when he's backed on top of Pride Rock, he proves to be a strong CombatPragmatist. Even though he's younger, Simba nearly lost against him.
* CruelAndUnusualDeath: At the end, he is eaten alive by his former hench-hyenas. Given Scar's occasional cameos in the questionably-canon Timon and Pumbaa series, some fans think that he [[HesJustHiding survived and is in hiding]]. In ''Lion Guard'', [[spoiler:he returns as a demonic fire spirit.]]
* DarkIsEvil: Scar has the darkest fur of the lions and is the BigBad. In ''Lion Guard'', [[spoiler:he returns as a demonic fire spirit, contrasting the more heavenly apparition of his brother.]]
* DarkMessiah: The animals of the Outlands begin to see him as this in Season Two of ''The Lion Guard'', remembering how he helped Shenzi's clan in the original film and seeking his aid to help them rise up against Simba and the Lion Guard.
* DeaderThanDead: [[spoiler: In the season 3 premier of ''The Lion Guard'', Scar's soul is permanently destroyed when the great kings of the past use spiritual waters to extinguish his fiery spirit.]]
* DeadpanSnarker: This line stands out:
-->'''Simba''': Uncle Scar, when I'm king, what will that make you?
-->'''Scar''': A monkey's uncle.
* DespotismJustifiesTheMeans: Quite happy to let the Pridelands go to hell in a hand basket if that means he can be King. He's also pretty upfront that he wants the job for the power and refuses to even acknowledge that he's supposed to have duties and responsibilities to go with them.
* DevilInPlainSight: Mufasa has no idea that his brother is plotting against him, and by the time he realizes it, it's already checkmate.
* DevouredByTheHorde: After Simba defeats him in a fight, [[spoiler:he gets surrounded by his former hyena henchmen and he gets eaten alive by them when they overheard that he betrayed them.]]
* DidntThinkThisThrough: He didn't realize that being king takes more than just having your way, as even the hyenas think Mufasa was a far more competent ruler.
* DirtyCoward: He does everything he can to snivel his way out of justice when confronted by Simba about Mufasa's murder, from making an inaudible "confession" to the lionesses to trying to pass the blame onto the hyenas to save himself. PlayedWith in the sense that he's still a badass fighter despite all this.
* DirtyOldMan: The musical adds a segment where he makes moves on the young adult Nala, desiring to make her his queen.
* DisneyVillainDeath: {{DoubleSubverted|Trope}}. When he plummets from the summit of Pride Rock, the fall itself doesn't kill him. [[FamilyUnfriendlyDeath It's the creatures he falls among that do]]...
* DissonantSerenity: [[spoiler:He is relatively calm and collected when he comes back as a spirit, despite having been mauled to death by hyenas]].
* TheDreaded: Has firmly established himself as this in ''The Lion Guard''. The animals fear him so much that they even consider leaving the Pride Lands to escape him after learning of his return.
* DrunkWithPower: According to ''The Lion Guard'', this is why Scar tried to overthrow Mufasa; having the power of [[MightyRoar the Roar]] went to his head, and led him to believe ''he'' should be king.
* DudeWheresMyRespect: He had this attitude when he led the Lion Guard, as he believed that he should have been given a hero's welcome for killing the strange lion, completely ignoring that his job is protecting the Pride Lands means he shouldn't expect that treatment for doing his job.
* EpicFail: His entire tenure as king was even more disastrous than one could've easily predicted, with the hyenas having hunted ''everything'' into nothingness, and the entire land now a desolate and barren wasteland. ''Not even the river was spared''. As Sarabi stated, living under his rule had truly become a death sentence. Even his hyena lackeys complain that Mufasa was a better ruler, even if he didn't allow them to live in the Pride Lands.
* EtTuBrute: His betrayal of Mufasa, his brother, by throwing him to his death. Judging by Mufasa's reaction, the latter had ''absolutely'' no idea that Scar was plotting against him.
* EvenEvilHasStandards: PlayedForLaughs. He cannot stand "It's A Small World After All".
* EvilAllAlong: Towards Mufasa and Simba, who only think of him as their loyal brother and uncle, respectively. Though they don't realize his true intentions.
* EvilBrit: He was voiced by Jeremy Irons in the first film. ''The Lion Guard'' has him voiced by David Oyelowo.
* EvilCannotComprehendGood:
** As discussed by Mufasa in the episode ''[[Recap/TheLionGuardS1E14NeverRoarAgain Never Roar Again]]'' of ''The Lion Guard''. Scar, having been bestowed with the Roar of the Elders when he was the Fiercest of the Lion Guard, thought of it as a tool for power, unaware he'd be stripped of the Roar if used for evil purposes.
--->'''Kion:''' I'm worried about the Roar. The last time I used it, I was really angry. And it caused so much destruction!\\
'''Mufasa:''' The Roar of the Elders is very powerful.\\
'''Kion:''' I know. And that's why I'm thinking... ''[sighs]'' I shouldn't use it again. I... [[HeWhoFightsMonsters I'm worried that I might turn into Scar.]]\\
'''Mufasa:''' Scar cared only for himself. His selfishness fueled his anger. Why were you angry, Kion?\\
'''Kion:''' Janja and the hyenas. They were attacking my mom. I was so mad at them when I used the Roar! I lost control. And it almost hurt my mom. I almost hurt my mom!\\
'''Mufasa:''' Scar never cared for anyone else the way you do, Kion. So perhaps you should speak with the one you care so much about.\\
'''Kion:''' Right. I will. Thank you, Grandfather.
** In the episode ''[[Recap/TheLionGuardS2E17TheScorpionsSting The Scorpion's Sting]]'', his entire plan relies on trapping Kion at the volcano, where he won't be able to use the roar without causing an eruption. He simply does not account at all for the idea that one could be capable of using the power of the roar with extreme restraint.
** During the final battle in the Season 3 opener, he is utterly astonished that Kion [[spoiler: forgives him]], and openly cannot comprehend that Kion showing empathy. His last words is that the Roar is a curse, calling him out for his naivety.
* EvilCounterpart:
** Scar serves as a [[ShadowArchetype "dark mirror"]] of sorts for Simba, with most of his flaws being exaggerated versions of Simba's own. One needs to just look at their big song numbers (''I Just Can't Wait to be King'' and ''Be Prepared'') next to each other to see this. Both crave becoming the king of the Pride Lands largely for the recognition that comes with it and gloat over how great they will be as king. Both are even showing not being above "bullying" so to speak, with Zazu being the biggest victim in that regard. However, Simba ultimately manages to "grow up" and accept responsibility, which leads to his ultimate victory, whilst Scar's apparent refusal to truly do either ultimately leads to both his downfall and death. The film seems to consciously acknowledge this during the climax where when tempted to kill him and Scar asks what he is going to do, Simba ultimately refuses, asserting, "No Scar. I'm not like you." Heck, both even have sidekicks in the form of outsiders with an obsession for food, but whereas Simba saw his sidekicks as true friends, Scar ill-treats his own like crap and ultimately betrays them to save his own skin.
** He also serves as one to Kion in ''The Lion Guard'', in that both were the younger siblings to the heirs, led the Lion Guard, and were bestowed with the Roar of the Elders. What sets them apart, is that while Kion genuinely cares for his family and Lion Guard, and makes sure to regulate the use of the Roar after learning how Scar abused its power, Scar has no empathy for anyone, be it his brother or his own Lion Guard. Although Scar once had the Roar when he was in charge of the Lion Guard, he abused its power by destroying his own Lion Guard when they refused to support him in his plot to overthrow Mufasa, but since the Roar was never meant to be used for evil, Scar was stripped of it and became even more horrible as a result.
* EvilEyebrows: Part of being the BigBad.
* EvilGenius: At least in the first part of the movie on how he planned to get rid of Mufasa and Simba.
* EvilGloating: During the climax, when Simba, still blaming himself for his father's death, is dangling from the edge of Pride Rock, Scar can't resist indulging in this and freely admits to Simba that ''he'' killed Mufasa. At this revelation, Simba pulls off his HeroicSecondWind and literally ''chokes'' Scar to get him to admit the truth to everyone else.
* EvilIsBurningHot: In comparison to the much more heroic Simba and Mufasa, who are associated with the sun, Scar is associated with fire. [[VillainSong "Be Prepared"]] takes place in an area with geysers and lava, and during the final battle, Pride Rock is lit ablaze by lightning. [[spoiler: Even when he returns in ''The Lion Guard'', his spirit is coated in flames]].
* EvilIsPetty: [[spoiler: The season 3 opener has Scar arrange for Kion to get an identical scar to his one in order to corrupt him and become just like him. Scar's backstory also explains that after Scar destroyed the evil lion and cobra responsible for scarring him, he returned to Pride Rock expecting to be celebrated as a hero for saving the kingdom from a potential threat. Instead Mufasa merely patted him on the head and playfully nicknamed him "Scar". It's implied that Scar decided to kill Mufasa over what was very likely just a harmless joke.]]
* EvilIsHammy: Zig-zagged. On the one hand, he can be very quiet and soft-spoken, which is more prominent throughout the first act (barring his VillainSong). On the other hand, he can chew the scenery as much as any other Disney villain, especially when excited or angry.
* EvilIsNotAToy: [[spoiler:Implied when Scar is unimpressed with Ushari declaring his kind will rule the Pride Lands. Scar rather insincerely reassures him that they'll rule together before quickly vanishing.]]
** [[spoiler: The lion who corrupted Scar offered to heal him if he did what he asked, but Scar simply killed him with the Roar of the Elders.]]
* EvilLaugh: At the end of "Be Prepared."
* EvilOverlord: His reign as king was quite disastrous, as the Pridelands quickly turned into {{Mordor}}. He even [[BerserkButton explodes in anger]] whenever others complain about his rule or compares him to Mufasa.
* EvilPlan: Kill Mufasa and Simba, and take over the Pridelands. Once he came back as an evil spirit in ''The Lion Guard'', Scar now wants to destroy the Pridelands and get his revenge on Simba.
* TheEvilPrince: Was evil even before taking over the Pridelands.
* EvilSlinks: He moves in an almost serpentine manner.
* EvilSoundsDeep: Thanks to the husky baritone of Creator/JeremyIrons. To boot, Scar carries a subtle reverb in his voice that becomes noticeably deeper whenever he is dripping with sickly-sweet sarcasm or completely loses control of his temper. Of course, his voice is considerably ''less'' deep than Mufasa's. Creator/DavidOyelowo in ''The Lion Guard'' also gives him a very deep voice.
* EvilUncle: To Simba, whom he tries to kill to get rid of Mufasa's sole heir.
* EvilWillFail: His plan turns out this way. He succeeds in becoming King, but the once-bountiful Pridelands quickly goes downhill under his disastrous and self-serving leadership. Even the ''hyenas'', of all animals, think that Mufasa's reign was better for them.
* FacePalm: After all, he's SurroundedByIdiots.
* FamilyUnfriendlyDeath: The hyenas [[spoiler:tear him apart and eat him]]. Of course, it's [[GoryDiscretionShot all shown in shadow]].
* FascistButInefficient: He's an effective schemer right up until he actually gains power, at which point his disregard for anyone but himself runs the entire kingdom into the ground.
* FatalFlaw: {{Envy}} and {{Pride}}.
* FauxAffablyEvil: He puts up a polite CoolUncle facade around Simba at first, but it's only to manipulate his nephew for his own benefit.
* FisherKing: Scar turns Mufasa's lush and green [[GhibliHills Ghibli Savanna]] into barren, dry, dead {{Mordor}}. Justified in that he allowed hyenas into said lands, who over-hunted with the lions restrained by Scar from keeping them in check. Fewer grazing animals from overhunting means more leftover vegetation, more vegetation means more fuel for brush fires once the dry season sets in. One spark from lightning and the whole savannah went up during the climax.
* FreudianExcuseIsNoExcuse: His desire to rule over Pride Rock is somewhat understandable after tie-in books reveal that his father chose Mufasa over him, and his earlier inability to be taught how to hunt explains why his unified hunting policies also resulted in Pride Rock being turned into a literal hellhole during his rule. However, ''The Lion Guard'' completely nullifies it by emphasizing on his sociopathy ''even more'', because despite having the Roar of the Elders and tasked with leading the Lion Guard under Mufasa's regime, he instead killed his own Lion Guard when they refused to back him in his plot to overthrow Mufasa. He had a powerful and important position in the pride, by ''birth right'', already. The reason he tried to overthrow his brother was because he ''wasn't satisfied with just that'' and felt like he was entitled to the throne as well. He may have reasonable motives to rule over Pride Rock, but instead of making him sympathetic, it made his actions look ''worse''. ''The Lion Guard'' successfully shows that Scar truly was an evil, selfish monster from day one.
** His backstory shows that [[spoiler: he was bitten by a cobra, which sent him insane. However, while that ordinarily would be a solid FreudianExcuse, the show goes out of its way to show that Scar's darker instincts were already there, and the venom merely made him act out on them far more blatantly than he normally would have. He also clearly relishes in his insanity, as shown both by his actions in the original film and the Lion Guard, still having enough control to determine that he could have cured himself, in addition to the fact he could have asked about a cure, but voluntarily chose not to.]]
* GeniusBruiser: Unlike his openly intimidating brother, Scar seems physically unimpressive. However, when the chips are down, he mauls Simba in the final battle. He's also TheChessmaster.
* GenreBlindness: He sends his bumbling minions to kill someone ''whom they've already failed to kill'', and just look at the results of the aforementioned EvilGloating.
* GoodColorsEvilColors: '''Black''', '''Red''' and '''Unnatural Green'''.
* GoodHairEvilHair: The slicked-back variety.
* GoodScarsEvilScars: Is the BigBad and has a scar over his eye.
* GoryDiscretionShot: His death is shown only in shadow.
* GreaterScopeVillain: In ''1 1/2'', where the main conflict is essentially the same of the first movie, but because they're telling from Timon and Pumbaa's point of view, the primary villains are the Hyenas, and Scar's machinations serve only as the background. And ''The Lion Guard'' shows that even after his demise, his sinister influence still cast its shadow, as Kion [[HeWhoFightsMonsters fears he'll end up like Scar]]. He then appears as the BigBad of Season 2.
* GreenEyedMonster: Several lines in "Be Prepared" imply how jealous he is of Mufasa's success as king and the "injustice" that he's no longer next in line for the throne after Simba's birth. Heavy emphasis on the "monster" part. He's a ''literal'' example as well, since he really does have green eyes. Also notice that, in RealLife, lions don't have green eyes, making the use even more metaphorical.
* AHandfulForAnEye: During the final battle between himself and Simba, Scar kicks it off by throwing burning embers into Simba's eyes.
* HateSink: Given that he's a ruthless, cruel SOB who killed his own brother in cold blood and blamed Simba in the process, it's not hard to imagine that Scar was meant to garner much of the viewers' hatred as possible. It backfired, however, as Scar became well-liked by the viewers for his awesome charisma.
* HerosEvilPredecessor: In ''The Lion Guard'', it's revealed that he led the Lion Guard under Mufasa's regime, and was blessed with the power of the Roar of the Elders. However, the power went to Scar's head and he vainly believed he should be king instead of Mufasa. But when the rest of the Lion Guard said no, Scar furiously used the Roar to destroy them. Due to using his powers for evil, Scar lost his power completely and descended further into depression, becoming shriveled and horrible. Kion fears that [[HeWhoFightsMonsters he may end up becoming]] NotSoDifferent from Scar, but regularly makes sure to regulate his use of the Roar.
* HoistByHisOwnPetard: He is mauled to death by his own hyena minions after they overheard his betrayal.
** In the Lion Guard, it is revealed that he told Zira that if he roared directly at a cloud it would rain. Zira later tells this to Kion, and he uses this to finish Scar off for good.
* {{Hypocrite}}: He pulls the family card while begging for mercy from Simba. This coming from a guy who previously murdered his own brother and tried to kill his nephew without batting an eye.
* IThoughtYouWereDead: The initial reaction of shock when Scar sees Simba return from exile, thinking him at first to be Mufasa. Then, the reaction of sadistic delight when he realizes it is his nephew, whom he feels he can easily manipulate into confessing a crime he didn't commit.
* IncomingHam: He's introduced giving a soliloquy to a mouse he caught and ''would'' eat if not for Zazu's intervention.
* InkSuitActor: Animator Andreas Deja watched Jeremy Irons's movies to put more of him into Scar - [[http://www.jeremy-irons.com/press/archive/18.html "Not that he looks like a lion"]] - and even added the actor's baggy eyes.
* {{Irony}}: In the movie, Scar is the runt of the litter and is self-admittedly not as strong as Mufasa. In real life, male lions with black manes are usually considered the most powerful lions of all who also attract the most females and will more than likely rule the pride.
* IShallTauntYou: Openly mocks Simba for being naïve about his motives when he reveals himself in The Lion Guard.
* ISurrenderSuckers: During the climax, he begs Simba for mercy. Simba agrees on the grounds that he go into exile. Scar starts to leave... but then kicks burning embers into Simba's eyes and attacks him.
* ItsAllAboutMe: "I'm the king, I can do whatever I want" sums his rule up. It's also a {{Deconstruction}} of the trope, as this view on life results in the Pridelands going to hell and him having a ZeroPercentApprovalRating.
** The Lion Guard reveals that he took Mufasa's relatively playful and harmless decision to call him "Scar" as an insult and this caused him to begin to scheme to get Mufasa off the throne.
* KickTheDog: So many times, but the moment when he strikes Sarabi for standing up to him really stands out.
* KickTheSonOfABitch: [[spoiler: Scar killing the unknown lion and his cobra friend with the Roar of the Elders would ordinarily be quite awful, except said lion explicitly just tried to blackmail Scar and turn him into a slave. If this is accurate, given that Scar is a known liar, then it would be really hard to shed tears for Scar abusing his roar that way.]]
* KillItWithFire: Scar's intent when he is about to throw Simba off Pride Rock, into a wall of fire; averted when Simba unexpectedly fights back. In the end, Scar is the one swallowed by a fireball, shortly after he is thrown off Pride Rock and is cornered and attacked by the hyenas.
* TheKingslayer: Murders Mufasa to seize control of the throne.
* KnightOfCerebus:
** The film begins quite cheerful, but when Scar kills his own brother and takes the power, the film definitely becomes dark. Before that, we also have his VillainSong, in which he shows his true intentions. He's also one on a meta level, since he's responsible for the first non-villainous Disney death onscreen.
** The tone of the preschool-aimed ''The Lion Guard'' usually darkens quite a bit whenever he is mentioned, and [[spoiler: he is resurrected for the series as it began to delve into a much more serious storyline.]]
* LackOfEmpathy: You're looking at someone who's willing to murder his brother and cub nephew, as well as gorge himself at the expense of others, without even a shred of remorse.
* LargeHam: In true Disney villain fashion. Producer Don Hahn even said part of Scar's hilarity is due to Irons adding disdain/insanity to lines that were by right delivered straight.
* LastVillainStand: By the end of the film, he's been outed as Mufasa's killer and has lost everything, but when Simba corners him on Pride Rock, he still makes one of these and attacks Simba.
* LeanAndMean: In contrast to Mufasa's HeroicBuild (and to a far lesser degree, Simba's).
* ManipulativeBastard: One of the classic movie examples and fitting for a villain in a Shakespearean-style film. There are very few characters in the story whom he does not deceive, and he sometimes manipulates others purely for [[ForTheEvulz his own amusement]].
* MarkOfShame: The scar on his eye, that even downright became his "name" because of this trope as punishment from his and Mufasa's father according to the books.
* MaskOfSanity: In the first part, he's able to cover his sociopathic nature beneath a charming veneer. Once things start going awry, he undergoes a severe SanitySlippage.
* MeaningfulName: He was re-named "Scar" because of the permanent scar on his left eye. According to the books, his real name is ''Taka'', which means "trash" or "wanting" in Swahili.
* MeaninglessVillainVictory: Yes, Scar killed Mufasa, drove Simba into exile, and took over the Pride Lands as king, but what did he gain from it? Considering the Pride Lands' condition at the time of his reign, not much. Bringing lions and hyenas together only allowed the latter to eat practically everything in the land, leaving no food or water for anyone, putting everyone on the brink of starvation, and thus, Scar won't have a kingdom to rule. In fact, Scar's claims of being able to do whatever he wants as king during this period basically confirms that he wants to be king to be in charge, and no other reason. His victory doesn't even last, as Simba returns many years later to take back the throne, which he eventually does.
* MightyRoar: As the leader of the Lion Guard, Scar was bestowed with the Roar of the Elders, [[EvilCannotComprehendGood but he came to see it as another tool in his plan to overthrow Mufasa]]. He DidntThinkThisThrough completely as he'd be stripped of it if used for evil. Soon enough, the power went to his head and he asked his Lion Guard to assassinate Mufasa, but when they said no, Scar furiously used the Roar to destroy them. Due to using his powers for evil, Scar [[BroughtDownToNormal lost his power completely]] and sank further into villainy, becoming shriveled and horrible.
* MotiveDecay: [[spoiler:In ''The Lion Guard'', his new goal is to build an army to destroy the Pride Lands. This is [[JustifiedTrope justified]], though; as a spirit, he is no longer in a position to rule over the Pride Lands, so he will simply have it destroyed as {{Revenge}} for his death.]]
* {{Narcissist}}: Scar is this to the double-digit nth-degree. He harbors deep resentment that Mufasa and not ''him'' has been named the heir to the throne of Pride Rock (even before Simba's birth and before Mufasa assumed the throne). He thinks he knows better than Mufasa, loves to hear himself talk, flippantly exploits others for his own gain, is a HeManWomanHater (as by how he treats the lionesses, particularly Sarabi and -- it has been implied -- Nala), considers his true mission as leader of the Lion Guard beneath him, has a colossally overblown sense of self-importance, seems to think he and he alone is somehow "special" and was destined by the powers-that-be to rule the Pride Lands, demands excessive admiration and unquestioned obedience he clearly doesn't deserve, displays arrogance and haughtiness to his peers as well as his underlings, is an EntitledBastard, displays a clear LackOfEmpathy, and is seemingly incapable of even considering the mere possibility that he is ever wrong about anything. He infamously blames the hyenas when cornered by Simba on Pride Rock and told that he is nothing but a lying murderer. This line from his VillainSong says it all:
-->Meticulous planning\\
Tenacity spanning\\
Decades of denial\\
Is simply why I'll\\
Be king undisputed\\
Respected, saluted\\
And seen for the wonder I am!
* NearVillainVictory: He gets everything he wants in the movie and would have gotten away with it if not for a moment of gloating self-indulgence.
* NewEraSpeech: He gives one to the pride when he takes position as leader. Originally delivered via a song that reprises "Be Prepared."
* NeverMyFault: Scar refuses to own up to anything he does, even using the hyenas as a scapegoat when confronted by Simba for his evil actions. [[spoiler:He ultimately regrets it.]]
* NonActionBigBad: Subverted. He complains early on about not having any of the "brawn" genes, relies on the hyenas to do most of the physical work, and he only attempts to kill those who have been incapacitated in some way. But at the climax, it turns out he ''can'' fight, and is able to hold his own against the much younger and more muscular Simba.
* NotSoDifferent: Gives one to Simba during the climax, but despite being tempted to kill him for Mufasa's death, Simba ultimately refuses, asserting that he won't be like Scar.
** In ''The Lion Guard'', Kion often fears [[HeWhoFightsMonsters he'll end up like Scar,]] hence why he frequently regulates the use of the Roar of the Elders, having been made aware Scar was stripped of the Roar for destroying his own Lion Guard when they refused to help him overthrow Mufasa.
* NotSoHarmlessVillain: Let's see, Scar kills Mufasa, and is perfectly able to go toe-to-toe with Simba in the climax. A bit out of place considering that he groans about getting the brains and none of the brawn in the beginning, but makes some sense when you consider that Simba has apparently lived only on insects and has been in a total of one fight (that he lost). This plot point makes even more sense when taking into account Scar's original character design as a much more bulky and brawny lion.
* ObviouslyEvil: Just in case you hadn't noticed all the EvilTropes above.
* OverarchingVillain: Easily the most important villain of the entire franchise, since each antagonist of posthumous material was affiliated to him. He's also the GreaterScopeVillain in ''WesternAnimation/TheLionGuard''.
* OnlyKnownByTheirNickname: According to a storybook published following the film's release, his birth name was ''Taka'' (Swahili for "trash" or "want").
* ThePeterPrinciple: His strongest desire was to become king. However while he proved deadly and conniving about setting that goal in motion, he proved completely incompetent in actually posing as king, only seeking the benefits and grandeur of the role rather than its important duties.
* PosthumousCharacter: In ''Simba's Pride'' and ''The Lion Guard''.
* PragmaticVillainy: [[spoiler:The only reason in the Lion Guard that he settles the debates between the members of his army when they disagree is to keep them united on their common enemy, or else he risks them breaking apart through infighting and throwing away their numerical superiority over the Guard]].
* PredecessorVillain: Serves as this to almost the entire franchise, following the first movie and his death.
** Of ''Simba's Pride'': the primary villain is Zira, who was one of his sympathizers and seeks to avenge him.
** ''The Lion Guard'' revolves around his great-nephew Kion forming a new Lion Guard and actively striving to not end up like Scar. [[spoiler:He's later brought back from the dead as a spirit to lead the villains of the series, effectively becoming the BigBad of Season Two.]]
* PrincelingRivalry: He resents Simba for having a bigger claim to the throne than him, being Mufasa's son. To ensure he gets to be king, he plots the death of his brother and then of his nephew so the throne would belong to him.
* PsychopathicManchild: Best exemplified by his "I am the King, I can do whatever I want!" excuse, because it is essentially the attitude of Simba as a cub, though it's doubtful that he would ever condemn his own subjects to death.
* PyrrhicVictory: His original fate in the alternate ending. He wins the fight with Simba by throwing him off Pride Rock, but is then burned to death himself when the fires surrounding Pride Rock engulf it. By throwing Simba off Pride Rock, he actually saves Simba from suffering that fate and allowing him to have his happy ending anyway, making Scar's victory in the fight meaningless.
* RedAndBlackAndEvilAllOver: He has reddish-orange fur and a black mane.
* RedRightHand: His scar, and his claws that are always bared (unlike the others).
* RealityEnsues: Being king means enormous responsibilities and the possibility of a revolt if said duties are neglected, and for this reason, [[ZeroPercentApprovalRating Scar gets hated by everyone]] for his incompetence, including the hyenas of all animals, for letting the Pridelands become a wasteland. As Mufasa tells Simba, "There's more to being King than getting your way all the time." This is why Scar ends up in major trouble, as his final attempt to [[NeverMyFault blame the hyenas for everything]] proves to be the last straw, [[TheDogBitesBack getting him torn to pieces by them.]]
* RelativeButton: You just ''had'' to get that last KickTheDog moment in, didn't you Scar?
* TheResenter: Scar resents his brother for being the King and also resents Simba because after his father, ''he'' will be king.
* ReversePsychology: How he tricks Simba into visiting the elephant graveyard.
* {{Sadist}}: As much as it can be shown in a Disney film, at least.
** He doesn't immediately eat the mouse he has trapped, preferring to play with him. Judging by Zazu's reaction, it seems that this behavior isn't seen as proper.
** He takes some moments to savor Mufasa's impending fate, gloating "Long live the king" and making sure that his brother fully realizes what his true nature is, instead of simply shoving Mufasa to his death. [[OhCrap Also Mufasa's expression when this is happening.]] Seeing someone so strong and powerful looking so terrified and helpless (not to mention [[EtTuBrute shocked at his brother's betrayal]], no less) is a whole new level of scary. Don't forget his helpless scream as he falls to his death, replaced with the scream of Simba as he watches his dad, who he just had a scene showing their closeness, fall to his death...
*** Scar's behavior in this as well. At first, when Mufasa is calling for help, Scar seemingly ponders what to do, as if he's realized that there would be no turning back if he killed his brother. But to twist the knife even further, he gleefully tosses Mufasa to his death, perhaps indicating that had already planned the events out and knew exactly what he was doing all along.
** This proves to be one of the causes of his demise, since attempting to do the same with Simba makes the latter fight back and reveal that he murdered Mufasa.
* SanitySlippage: More obvious in the musical, but still visible in the movie. The musical has a number called "The Madness of King Scar," where he begins to go completely insane.
** [[spoiler: The Lion Guard reveals that the cobra bite he received sent him insane and caused him to become the monster that he was. However, the show also goes out of its way to emphasize that while the bite sent him insane, it is not a redeeming factor as he openly relishes in his darker instincts and he seemed quite happy at what the venom did to him]].
* SanitySlippageSong: "The Madness Of King Scar" in the musical version. He grows more insane as the song goes on, eventually seeing the ghost of Mufasa everywhere and becoming desperate to have cubs to continue his line. He also becomes increasingly paranoid, believing that the lionesses hate him (which they probably do) and are plotting to murder him (which, again, they probably are).
* SatanicArchetype: Scar turned the Pridelands into hell after killing his brother, and made deals that only benefitted him at the expense of others, be it Simba or the hyenas. Lastly, his personality embodies all of the SevenDeadlySins, further enhancing his Satanic qualities. In ''The Lion Guard'', he even returns as a [[AnimalisticAbomination demonic abomination]], a stark contrast to the heavenly apparition of his brother. Also, it's revealed that like Kion, he once led the Lion Guard under Mufasa's regime and was bestowed with the Roar of the Elders, but the power went to his head and he furiously killed his own Lion Guard when they refused to help him in his plot to overthrow Mufasa, and was subsequently stripped of the Roar. Kion constantly fears that he may end up becoming NotSoDifferent from Scar, but regularly makes sure to regulate his use of the Roar. ''The Lion Guard'' emphasizes this ''even more'', since his so-called "FreudianExcuse" is nonexistent. He was ''always'' a monster.
* ScrewTheRulesIMakeThem: Deconstructed. "I am the king, I can do whatever I want!" sums up his immature attitude as king of Pride Rock. However, it also leads him to a ZeroPercentApprovalRating by all of the animals, including his own hyena minions, who even admit that Mufasa was a better king than Scar.
* SevenDeadlySins: Scar suffers from all of these sins.
** He believes himself to be deserving of power. He also refuses to abandon the Pride Lands, even if it means the death of his subjects. (Pride)
** He acts indolent even as the Pride Lands fall into ruin. (Sloth)
** He enjoys food while letting the rest of his kingdom, including his loyal followers, starve. (Gluttony)
** He is envious of his brother and nephew for getting the throne, and plots their deaths for it. (Envy)
** In a deleted scene, he comes onto Nala, eager to produce heirs. (Lust)
** He wants power and will destroy anyone to get it. (Greed)
** He gets enraged when Mufasa is mentioned to him, and he attacks Sarabi for comparing him unfavorably to Mufasa. (Wrath)
* ShadowArchetype:
** Like Simba, he has an immature understanding of being king, as he believes it is only about getting your way all the time. But unlike Simba, he is willing to go to terrible lengths just to become king; he even does not assume responsibility for his actions and tries to blame the hyenas for ruining the kingdom, and worst of all, tries to kill Simba just so he can continue to have power. Not only that, he is a terrible ruler, as he pretty much acts like a 3-year old pretending to be a king when he gets a hold of power. But, once Simba does defeat him, he more or less removes himself from his childishness, as he grows up while Scar doesn't.
** Like Kion in ''The Lion Guard'', Scar once led the Lion Guard during Mufasa's regime and was blessed with the power of the Roar of the Elders. But since the Roar was never meant to be used for evil, Scar was stripped of it when he killed his own Lion Guard for not supporting him in his plot to assassinate Mufasa. For this reason, Kion constantly regulates the use of the Roar, fearing he may end up becoming NotSoDifferent from Scar should he let anger poison his mind.
* SicEm: "Kill him."
* SissyVillain: He's rather effeminate and theatrical.
* SketchySuccessor: Scar's rule over Pride Lands [[TheCaligula proves to be disastrous]] mainly because of his incompetence and laziness. A JustifiedTrope, as he wasn't properly raised to be king, so he doesn't realize that [[RealityEnsues there's more to this]] than just openly threatening others whenever they complain about his reign. Because of this, he refuses to accept responsibility for his disastrous rule and earns a ZeroPercentApprovalRating from all animals for his tyranny.
* SlasherSmile: The creepy smile he gives before tossing Mufasa to his death.
* SmallNameBigEgo: Has a very high opinion of himself and believes himself to be an even greater king than Mufasa ever was. In truth, his reign led to the destruction of the Pridelands and he stubbornly refused to accept responsibility for what his ineffectual rule had caused, lashing out violently whenever anyone so much as mentioned his brother's name.
* SmugSnake:
** After becoming king. Although Scar was a master of manipulating everyone around him to seize the power he craved, he proved to be utterly incompetent at actually ''using'' the power once he had it, though this was more due to laziness and selfishness than a lack of intelligence. He hadn't been raised to be a king, so he had no experience. Like Simba as a cub, he thought that it was just all about the power and the glory rather than actual hard work. He'd originally persuaded the hyenas to support him by promising that they'd never go hungry again, but the drought in the Pride Lands leads to a famine and causes the hyenas to begin grumbling about Scar even before Simba comes back.
** Even before becoming King he showed signs of this. Like [[Disney/{{Aladdin}} Jafar]], he's a supposed ManipulativeBastard with the glaring flaw of being ObviouslyEvil and doing nothing to counteract it. Often meaning that the only reason he has any success whatsoever is that everyone in the movie is a HorribleJudgeOfCharacter.
* {{Sssssnaketalk}}: Does this a lot, especially when gloating.
* TheSoCalledCoward: The film describes Scar as a skinny weakling, who openly admits that he's no match for Mufasa in a fight. During the climax, he begs Simba for mercy, but as soon as said mercy is granted, Scar attacks Simba at full force and nearly beats him.
** If you watch the shadows closely, [[spoiler: you'll notice he goes down fighting when the hyenas attack him en masse.]]
* TheSociopath: Family or lackeys, he'll abandon them at the drop of a hat. He's a highly functioning sociopath, able to hide his true self beneath a veneer of charming manners, by faking his sadness after letting Mufasa and seemingly Simba perish in the wildebeest stampede. However, he has the classic traits of a true sociopath, since he is lazy, irresponsible, insensitive, ruthless, greedy and self-centered. ''The Lion Guard'' emphasizes his sociopathy ''even more'', since his supposed "FreudianExcuse" is nonexistent. He was ''always'' a monster.
* SoftSpokenSadist: He like to keep a low tone at times.
* StrikeMeDownWithAllOfYourHatred: Attempts invoking this on Simba during the climax, but despite being tempted to kill him for Mufasa's murder, Simba refuses, asserting that he won't be NotSoDifferent from the lion who killed his own brother.
* StrongerThanTheyLook: He looks scrawny and admits himself that he's lacking in the physical strength department. However, when he's backed on top of Pride Rock with nowhere to run, he proves to be strong enough (and [[CombatPragmatist cunning]] enough) to almost defeat the younger Simba.
* StupidEvil: You know, Scar, [[RelativeButton telling your nephew about how you killed his father]] [[BondVillainStupidity doesn't exactly]] [[VillainBall scream brilliant]].
* SuddenlyShouting:
** When addressing the hyenas in "[[VillainSong Be Prepared]]."
--->''The future is littered with prizes''\\
''And though I'm the main addressee,''\\
''Point that I must emphasize is,''\\
'''''You won't get a sniff without me!''''' (A random hyena falls into the crack in the ground.)
** He loses his temper and starts shouting whenever Mufasa is mentioned.
* SurroundedByIdiots: Stated word for word.
* TakingYouWithMe: [[spoiler:After coming back as a spirit in ''The Lion Guard'', he decides that if he couldn't rule the Pridelands while alive, then the Pridelands cannot outlive him, so his endgame was to see the Pridelands burn before him]].
* TallDarkAndSnarky: A BigBad lion version.
* ThatManIsDead: He absolutely despises his brother and refuses to hear his name uttered in his presence when he becomes king; when the weight of his tyranny is revealed, the whole of the Pridelands are relieved that he is dead and gone.
* TooDumbToLive: Telling Simba he killed Mufasa sets up his downfall. If that isn't bad enough, he lies to Simba about Mufasa's death by blaming it on the hyenas. [[TheDogBitesBack He pays for that dearly]].
* TyrantTakesTheHelm: Once he ultimately takes over the Pridelands.
* TheUnfavourite: Well, considering that his parents gave him a name that means "[[{{Greed}} wanting]]" or "[[AtrociousAlias trash]]," and gave his brother a name that means "king," it's pretty clear who was their favorite... Subverted in the books, where he ''thinks'' he's this but it's shown his parents actually do care about him.
* UsedToBeASweetKid: Implied in ''The Lion Guard'', where a flashback shows him to be brighter-eyed and was led into the path of evil by a mentor, who fed him the idea that him having the Roar shows that he's capable of having more power.
* TheUsurper: He concocted his whole EvilPlan in order to take over the Pridelands.
* VictoryIsBoring: He learns this after he took care of Mufasa and Simba and claimed the throne.
* VileVillainSaccharineShow: Simply put, he gets the honor of committing the first onscreen murder in a Disney film, among other things. He's also the darkest villain in ''The Lion Guard''.
* VillainBall: Having Simba trapped at the edge of Pride Rock and precariously clinging to the side, an overconfident Scar gloats about his nephew's imminent fate and -- sure he will never stand justice, after having coerced him into admitting responsibility for his father's death -- whispers that he actually plotted to kill Mufasa. He never thinks to simply throw him off, and is taken by surprise when Simba gains a huge HeroicSecondWind and leaps over the edge of Pride Rock to gain the upper hand.
* VillainDecay: A rare intentional example. Scar manipulates ''everyone'' to make sure he gets what he wants. As soon as he gets it, he acts like a child. This was done to exemplify that he's not as cut out for ruling a kingdom as he thinks he is.
* VillainHasAPoint: Scar "warning" Simba about the dangers of the elephant graveyard was an act of ReversePsychology to lure him in, but if it were played straight, it ''is'' considerably helpful advice to stay out of trouble.
* VillainSong: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0AiN8vrn9Y&feature=related "Be Prepared"]] were he explains to the Hyenas how he intended to murder his brother and nephew to become king. There is also a cut [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEBOYTGy3mY reprise]] to "Be Prepared" were he expresses his desire to make Nala his queen, and introduces the Hyenas as his 'executive staff.' ''The Lion Guard'' gives him "I Have A Plan" in which he lays the groundwork for assembling a legion of antagonistic Outland animals to take over the Pride Lands.
* VillainousBreakdown:
** "The Madness of King Scar" in the Broadway musical version, a song that really focuses on his shift from MagnificentBastard to SmugSnake in his reign as king.
** The original ending of the film had a far more pronounced one. After his fight with Simba, which ends with Simba being the one thrown off Pride Rock (but lives), Scar is last seen [[LaughingMad laughing insanely]] as the fires surrounding Pride Rock engulf and kill him.
* VillainousLegacy: His sinister influence is still felt years after his death, since the primary villains in the sequel and TV show are his sympathizers wanting revenge. In ''The Lion Guard'', Kion often fears that he'll end up becoming like Scar.
* VillainsWantMercy: The minute Simba corners him at the top of Pride Rock, Scar starts desperately begging him for mercy, pulling such cards as reminding him they're family and [[NeverMyFault blaming the hyenas for his own actions]]. Simba ultimately opts to let Scar go on the condition that he go into exile; Scar turns to leave, but then kicks burning embers into Simba's eyes and attacks him. When he loses the subsequent fight and is thrown off of Pride Rock, he's met with the hyenas, who overheard ''everything'', and tries begging for his life again... with no such luck.
* WantingIsBetterThanHaving: After killing Mufasa and finally becoming the King of Pride Rock, he ends up turning the paradise to ruins. Scar is obviously too proud to admit that he wasn't cut out for the job.
* WeakButSkilled: He freely admits to not measuring up to Mufasa's level of strength, but he is a good short-term schemer and CombatPragmatist, and he is able to fight evenly with the younger Simba.
* WickedCultured: Not only is his speech the more refined in the movie, but somehow he knows about the gene pool.
* WouldHitAGirl: He smacks Sarabi hard for [[BerserkButton mentioning Mufasa in his presence]] during an argument, [[OhCrap then notices a very angry Simba watching above]].
* WouldHurtAChild: He tries to kill his little nephew and his friend Nala by letting the Hyenas eat them. Later, he arranges a stampede where Simba is almost trampled to death.
