History Main / EvilCannotComprehendGood

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* In Arthur Miller's play, ''The Pussycat and the Expert Plumber who Was a Man'', a talking cat starts climbing the political ladder under the alias Tom Thomas, by blackmailing anyone who could expose him. In the end, his gubernatorial campaign is thwarted by an expert plumber (who is a man), who [[HonorBeforeReason doesn't care what secrets (real or fabricated) might be exposed about him, so long as people realize they've been voting for a cat]]. The cat is one of the few examples to actually realize he misjudged humanity (well, a few of them, anyway).
* In ''Theatre/{{Heathers}}'' The Musical, Veronica breaks up with JD, horrified by his murders of their classmates. J.D. however, blames the student body for their break up [[spoiler: and resolves to blow them up during a pep rally]].

* Completely subverted in ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight'' in ''Heaven's Feel''. [[spoiler:Despite trying to destroy the world in large part ForTheEvulz, the ''reason'' Kotomine would do that is he understood good perfectly well. He's just unable to actually do it and feel satisfied no matter how hard he tries. Apart from his background material, he gambles away his entire magic crest to save Sakura knowing that Shirou's righteous spirit will make him protect her from ''anything''. In fact, his XanatosSpeedChess was entirely reliant on exploiting the 'good' nature of Shirou.]]
* ''[[VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorney Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Justice For All]]'': [[spoiler: Matt Engarde hires professional assassin Shelly de Killer to kill his rival, then uses a hidden camera to film the crime as insurance in case de Killer tries to blackmail him. However, de Killer places great value on the trust between himself and his clients and is outraged at this betrayal. Engarde clearly never considered that [[EvenEvilHasStandards some crooks might have higher standards than him.]]]]

* ''WebAnimation/NomadOfNowhere'': [[TheSociopath The Undertaker]] doesn't understand why The Nomad wound seem upset about someone destroying the inanimate objects he brings to life, only assuming that he must need them for protection. [[spoiler: This turns out to be his undoing, after he smashes a music box The Nomad brought to life, leading to the normally peaceful Nomad to show The Undertaker ''why'' he's one of the most feared beings in the world.]]

* In [[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/slacktivist/2009/09/10/vampires-crosses/ this]] blog post, Fred Clark theorizes that this is the reason vampires fear crosses.
* Inverted in [[http://www.giantitp.com/articles/XbsQgS9YYu9g3HZBAGE.html this article]] by Rich Burlew, author of ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick''. The heroes in a game he was [[GameMaster DMing]] assumed that two villains who had allied together were [[ChronicBackstabbingDisorder inevitably going to betray one another]] [[YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness once they had achieved their goals]]... it never occurred to them that [[VillainousFriendship they might be good friends]].

* In ''WebVideo/ToBoldlyFlee'', Ma-Ti has a meltdown when WebVideo/TheNostalgiaCritic closes the door on the real world and proves that he's become a true hero. Unlike most examples of this trope, Ma-Ti has known the Critic first hand as a colossal, selfish, {{Jerkass}} ManChild. His shock is more understandable under the circumstances, making it more of a case of Evil Cannot Comprehend CharacterDevelopment.

* In ''Franchise/{{Noob}}'', this seems to be a factor in the MistakenForBadass situation between Sparadrap and Dark Avenger. Sparadrap considers that Dark Avenger and him are FriendlyEnemies, while Sparadrap's InvincibleIncompetent tendencies have convinced Dark Avenger that he's actually an elite player displaying ObfuscatingStupidity. Dark Avenger's standard reaction to Sparadrap's friendly lines can be summed up as "quit that little trick you use to get you opponent's guard down, it doesn't work on me."

Too bad for these villains that MachiavelliWasWrong, for they cannot understand the concept of goodness or generosity because there is no guaranteed return on that investment. Why do they have so much trouble understanding good behavior? In general, evil always assumes VirtueIsWeakness and thinks TheHero has an ulterior motive such as fame or wealth for doing these so-called "acts of heroism."

Contrast ItsAllAboutMe, when the villain expects the hero to behave not selfishly, but generously toward him. When the trope is Evil Cannot Comprehend Good, the villain can't understand why the hero saved him from falling; in ItsAllAboutMe, the villain can't understand why the hero insists on arresting him after. It can get a little fuzzy when the character decides to be generous: did he murder his son's romantic rival because he didn't realize his son would hate it — this trope — or because he was so caught up in the notion of his own generosity that he didn't care what his son thought—ItsAllAboutMe?

* One parable told in homilies and other sermons recounts a man who is given a glimpse of both Heaven and Hell. He is shocked to discover that they are physically identical - an infinitely vast banquet hall, set for the most sumptuous feast imaginable, but for which all the utensils are far too large and unwieldy to ever bring food to one's own lips. Those in Hell go forever hungry, while those in Heaven instinctively use their utensils to feed someone else.

[[TheHero Our Hero]] goes and makes the HeroicSacrifice anyway, thereby ruining the villain's plan with a DidntSeeThatComing that a more cunning villain really should have seen coming. This is one of the ways those with HonorBeforeReason can continue to defeat the BigBad. This is a major problem for villains who really believe they are NotSoDifferent and think heroes [[YouCouldHaveUsedYourPowersForGood could have used their powers for Evil]], as opposed to villains who are just [[BreakThemByTalking screwing with the Hero's head]].

*** [[SociopathicSoldier Locus]] seems to have a lot of trouble with this; he wonders why Agent Washington and the Reds are so concerned about and assign meaning to the robotic [[DeadpanSnarker Lopez]] and [[TheComicallySerious Freckles]]. Later, during his fight with Washington in the finale of Season 12, he's incredibly confused as to why someone who he sees as NotSoDifferent from himself would try to fight for something other than orders given to him by a superior. It gets to the point where Locus stops fighting for a moment to ask Washington, prompting this TheReasonYouSuckSpeech:

*** After the American Revolution, Henry Ford flees to Nazi Germany, and becomes an active participant in the Nazi war machine, killing countless people through forced labor. When the war turns against the Nazis, Ford begs England and France for asylum, thinking they would want his services to fight against communism.

* [[EvilCannotComprehendGood/AnimatedFilms Films — Animated]]

[[folder:Myths and Religion]]

** This is played relatively straight in the Critic's review of ''Film/TheCatInTheHat''. Earlier, Peter Soulless, who bought the film rights to the Dr. Seuss stories, says that they needed to add extra morals to compensate for the longer running time. The Critic replies that ''Literature/ThePolarExpress'' and ''Film/MaryPoppins'' were able to keep their principal morals focused with the longer running time, but Peter dismisses those movies for not having pop culture references. At the end, Soulless insists that he understands the source material because the Dr. Seuss stories are "just simple kids' books". In response, the Critic gives him a heartfelt speech that they are ''not'' "just simple kids' books", and why they deserve more respect; the original stories will go on being read and reread for years to come while the movie versions of those stories will be forgotten. Even [[AntiChrist Evilina]], whom he's babysitting, admits that she likes the original stories more. Unfortunately, however, all this only [[VillainousBreakdown riles]] Soulless, who yells at them that they are wrong and forces them to watch more clips of bad scenes in other Dr. Seuss movies, until they have no choice but to appreciate them.

* [[EvilCannotComprehendGood/AnimatedFilms Films — Animation]]

* In ''Theatre/BeMoreChill'', The [=SQUIP=] is an incredibly advanced quantum supercomputer that is ''very'' good at engineering and executing highly favorable plans for itself and its user, but with a total LackOfEmpathy and a strong penchant for [[ManipulativeBastard manipulation]]. However, because of this, it also sees no benefit and thus no reason for anyone to erratically, loyally, selflessly, or anything else it considers human error. [[spoiler: It doesn't even consider the idea that, even after Jeremy shut him out and insulted him courtesy of the [=SQUIP's=] influence, [[TrueCompanions Michael would still be loyal and want to help him]].]]

[[quoteright:339:[[Webcomic/{{Sinfest}} https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/pawncrop_7570.gif]]]]
[[caption-width-right:339:[[{{Satan}} The Devil]] tries his hand at theology.]]

The villain has developed a [[EvilPlan devious plot that is prepared for anything]] that the hero might do — except for [[SpannerInTheWorks one glaring flaw]]. For some reason, the villain has not considered the possibility of a HeroicSacrifice. After all, you'd never catch ''him'' throwing his life away to save a bunch of lazy, ungrateful civilians who don't care about anybody except themselves. Heck, even saving your TrueCompanions comes after [[ItsAllAboutMe saving your own life]]. Only an idiot would throw his life away like that—and only because he didn't realize how much more profitable saving it would be. Sometimes that PR would be bad, but [[WhatYouAreInTheDark you only have to get him to where he can act secretly]] to get it out of him.

Occasionally, greater {{justifi|edTrope}}cation is provided by having a hero who the villain knows is a {{Jerkass}} and the AntiHero decides to [[RedemptionEqualsDeath redeem himself]] at the critical moment, or the villain will meet a hero who decides to TurnTheOtherCheek instead of fighting back.

The inability to comprehend good altruistic behavior ([[NoGoodDeedGoesUnpunished especially when it results in punishment]]) is a common trait in [[TheCynic cynics]], {{Straw Nihilist}}s, {{Corrupt Corporate Executive}}s, [[TheSocialDarwinist Social Darwinists]], {{Knight Templar}}s, and [[TheSociopath sociopaths]] (who really are incapable of feeling things that have no selfish incentive, such as compassion). This is TruthInTelevision in many cases.

An alternative version involves the Hero giving in to the villain's manipulative demands, agreeing that, yes, WeCanRuleTogether (usually to the "horror" of his sidekicks, LoveInterest, and TrueCompanions) [[FakeDefector as a ruse]] to defeat the villain. The villain falls for it because it's what he'd have done if the situations were reversed.

{{Greed}}y villains may content themselves with bribing the hero. After all, {{justice|WillPrevail}} and {{revenge}} aren't [[GoldFever shiny]] and don't get a good exchange rate. Yet TheHero goes and turns down the BriefcaseFullOfMoney or a share in the proceeds of a robbery. Indeed, villains solely motivated by greed, power or [[AmbitionIsEvil ambition]] can never find true happiness, and even if they become successful, they'll inevitably squander those gains for more power.

The GreenEyedMonster and those DrivenByEnvy often think TheHero is equally preoccupied with whatever inspired their envy. Villains can be expected to think the person they envy is as jealous with them as the other way around, and even that they deliberately excel in order to rub the envious character's nose into it.

TheFundamentalist-type KnightTemplar won't realize that other people differ about the relative values of what they support versus what they're willing to sacrifice for its sake, [[ObliviouslyEvil wrongly assume]] they're the "good guy" (when they're obviously not), and don't understand why PayEvilUntoEvil in the [[WellIntentionedExtremist name of "law, order and justice"]] would be morally wrong. Most Knight Templars are convinced that MightMakesRight, and that since they are good they only kill the evil, so if you beat them but don't kill them, you are good too. Trying to reason with one isn't much good either, because many Knight Templar types believe that you're WithUsOrAgainstUs. After all, they are certain that only ''their'' cause is noble, and those in their way is at best a deluded fool who needs to be "purged" or at worst, an evildoer who needs to die.

When the Hero interrupts an AttemptedRape, the would-be rapist may propose an easy solution: join in! [[UnstoppableRage Cue heroic beatdown.]]

[[EngineeredHeroics Those setting up a heroics scam]] [[GlorySeeker in order to achieve the]] [[GloryHound fame and glory they]] [[FakeUltimateHero seek at all costs]] want a large reward for the [[HeroismAddict "heroics"]] they did, but they never realize what it ''truly'' means to be a superhero. They only focus on the "super" part of a superhero, not realizing that it takes ''real'' qualities like morality, self-sacrifice, humility and GoodFeelsGood in order to become a true hero. True heroes ''always'' care about the people they are saving and, while they may be susceptible to thrill-seeking and the limelight, they don't let that override their sense of duty and empathy.

InnocentBystanders and {{Mooks}} leave the villain even more certain. A DoomedMoralVictor's inspiration or a HeroicBystander will flabbergast these villains, as will a Mook's HeelFaceTurn that is inspired by the hero's example, or a Mook who proves that EvenEvilHasStandards. Indeed, he may help [[VillainousDemotivator the Mook along]] by [[EvenEvilHasLovedOnes threatening their loved ones.]]

Never underestimate ThePowerOfLove and ThePowerOfFriendship. [[TrueCompanions True friendship]] requires acts of kindness and thoughtfulness, which is selfless and understanding. Being self-centered makes it nearly impossible for a villain to understand or embrace the necessary demands of friendship and love, as they find such concepts to be laughable and/or [[InsaneTrollLogic as distractions]]. They tend to believe in self-preservation and individualism above all things, act in their own self-interest, believe competition makes them more successful, and assume heroes "enslave" people to an arbitrary system of rules and dogma. Pride is by nature competitive, pitting the arrogant villain against everyone — they simply can't understand ThePowerOfFriendship, which is a form of love, placing it beyond the realm of their understanding. Plus, while the villain may be surrounded by countless lackeys and toadies whom he keeps them in line via threats or outright violence, the hero has TrueCompanions, love interests and friends who are willing to help them even in dire situations and enable them to defeat the baddies.

One weakness typically ascribed to the force of evil is that it cannot create. ThePowerOfCreation is seen as positive and Good, but EvilIsSterile. In other words, it cannot create, cannot imagine or have new ideas, certainly cannot produce new forms of life, because CreatingLifeIsAwesome. It may be able to propagate, but only in the manner of TheVirus or TheCorruption, by turning [[ReforgedIntoAMinion everything]] into more of itself, without the possibility of evolution, or the retention of the unique qualities that once inhabited what existed before. Ultimately, the possibility of making something new and different is anathema to it.

TheSocialDarwinist of the MightMakesRight variety thinks MiseryBuildsCharacter and believes that competition, suffering and struggle make the individual, and possibly society as a whole, superior. They believe in EvilVirtues like [[TheChessmaster cunning]], [[AmbitionIsEvil ruthlessness]], [[NoNonsenseNemesis opportunism]] and the ability to [[TheUnfettered endure and survive by any means necessary]], and view [[CrapsackWorld the world as a harsh and cynical place]] in which HobbesWasRight. However, they tend to undervalue things like [[LoveIsAWeakness love]], [[VirtueIsWeakness kindness]] or [[NiceGuysFinishLast pacifism]]. Their attitude [[RealityEnsues drives away everyone]], preventing them from making genuine friendships, and thus are truly LonelyAtTheTop because they always think cooperation makes one look weak. This belief in cutthroat dog-eat-dog-ism and hidden agendas also renders them incapable of understanding true love.

UtopiaJustifiesTheMeans fanatics and other such {{Well Intentioned Extremist}}s will often kid themselves into denying the possibility of any ethos that isn't by-any-means-necessary both to salve their aching consciences when they cross the MoralEventHorizon and to chalk up any obvious good their ideological opponents do to mere PragmaticVillainy.

The Nietzsche Wannabe aka StrawNihilist always assumes it's a CrapsackWorld out there, and often uses NoGoodDeedGoesUnpunished and BeingGoodSucks as {{Freudian Excuse}}s on why they have a nihilistic outlook on life.

The CorruptCorporateExecutive is a BadBoss who abuses their workers, uses shortcuts to drive competitors out of business, and makes decisions based on short-term profit rather than the long-term financial health of the company. But while they made their way to the top of the food chain by ruthlessness and greed, they never realize they're left LonelyAtTheTop, and that they have no actual friends, only devoted and sycophantic {{YesM|an}}en who can be easily replaced at their whim due to the CCE chasing after money day-in day-out. Of course, power and [[TheRichWantToBeRicher money]] can provide the CCE with short-term material comforts and gains, but it will never give them true happiness. Also, the CCE could have realized the errors they made over their career by placing their close relations over money, but because they chose to squander and alienate said relationships, it has made them a bitter shell of themselves. Thus, the CCE is unable to reconcile what they did with their current position, and as a result, is never able to fully enjoy their success.

TheRichWantToBeRicher by all means possible. They're intent on gaining more money to their fortune, even if they are wealthy enough to die in luxury. Simply put, enough is never enough for them, and they'll use underhanded means to obtain that wealth, even if it meant squandering their relations. As with the CCE, they don't realize that by placing material comforts over spiritual needs, this is the reason why they're miserable.

When a villain is pursuing a goal, they have two ways of earning money: the legitimate method of earning it may be slow, difficult, or unprofitable, while at the same time there's an illegal or unethical option that offers quicker gains to whoever can get away with it. Of course, the villain could get away via the legitimate route, but since their minds are driven by [[GetRichQuickScheme a desire to earn money quickly]], their [[CutLexLuthorACheck obvious potential for lawful income]] is wasted on criminal pursuits. The baddie fails at beating the heroes because they [[VillainBall never realize]] [[EvilVirtues their intellect and hard work]] might mean they'd get a lot more done if they did an honest day's work. The heroes sometimes lampshade it with "If only [[YouCouldHaveUsedYourPowersForGood they used their powers for good]], instead of for evil."

Those stuck in ChronicVillainy tend to relapse back to their evil ways and believe that joining the good side makes them soft and weak, hence why they choose being the ruthless villain, but this stops them from seeking redemption. They would be very happy to redeem themselves, but their anger or self-hatred means that they can [[BeingGoodSucks never accept being good]].

Villains with a history of ChronicBackstabbingDisorder always think the other side will inevitably betray them. However, their tendency to betray at critical moments [[RealityEnsues quickly spreads wide and far]] [[ReformedButRejected to the point no one trusts them when they genuinely try to redeem themselves]]. Being that they're quite distrustful of others, the backstabber's [[SillyRabbitCynicismIsForLosers cynical belief]] of hidden agendas is the reason why they don't form or have any meaningful relationships. Likewise, due to their abrasive attitude and inability to form meaningful relationships, everyone avoids the JerkWithAHeartOfJerk ManipulativeBastard like a plague lest they get tricked by them.

While the ConsummateLiar might make blatantly false or contradictory statements to get what they want in the short term, but when they are exposed due to their deceptive nature, the liar might try to make another lie to patch up the original lie. Because of this, nobody trusts them due to their pathological habit of telling falsehoods. Even when the ConsummateLiar ''finally'' realizes where their habit has led them and [[CassandraTruth actually tells the truth]], they're still [[RealityEnsues seen as]] distrustful.

Similarly, the TheLeader who's a FatherToHisMen would command more respect from allies than a BadBoss who keeps his {{Mooks}} in line via fear and considers them expendable. Truly, MachiavelliWasWrong indeed, and the BigBad is in for a surprise if his henchmen [[MistreatmentInducedBetrayal voluntarily defect to the other side]] after realizing the BigGood treats them better than their boss. Plus, the needs of many trumps self-preservation, as the villain always fails to recognize that ruling by fear won't get them allies.

The same thing goes with ThePowerOfLove — villains would regard it as a bizarre and alien concept, and are completely blindsided when the hero TookAThirdOption to not only save his love interest and allies, but also the city from the villain's clutches. Cue an epic KirkSummation or ShutUpHannibal when the villains go on a MotiveRant, where the hero not only calls the villain out for his crimes, and for his inability to understand compassion or what motivates the good. At times, when both the villain and hero are in mortal danger, the villain may be utterly bewildered as to [[SaveTheVillain why anyone would try to save their enemy]], and think TheHero had a selfish reason to save them.

WhatIsThisThingYouCallLove [[SillyRabbitRomanceIsForKids Is it just incomprehensible nonsense]], [[CuriosityCausesConversion or should I try to understand it?]] May end in AnAesop that RousseauWasRight and/or SillyRabbitCynicismIsForLosers.

Can be played for laughs if the villain in question does a HeelFaceTurn and becomes a HeroWithAnFInGood.

A favored ethical position of Socratic and Platonic philosophers, who hold that goodness ''is'' wisdom and understanding and that no-one does evil simply ForTheEvulz. In other words, evil does not so much fail to understand good as it can only be evil at all ''because'' it fails to understand good.

The GodOfEvil, {{Satan}}, or other beings that are MadeOfEvil are normally shown as being incapable of understanding things like compassion or goodness. In this case, pure evil cannot understand something that their nature renders them unable to experience themselves. This is OlderThanFeudalism: ''Literature/TheBible'' often depicts the Devil in this fashion, where he's unable to appeal to anything other than selfish desires when manipulating humans. This is often the reason a DealWithTheDevil fails; the deal maker's inability to understand good leaves a loophole that someone who can is able to take advantage of, or simply offer something that doesn't truly matter to the target. Likewise, TheCorrupter has a tendency for entering bargains with the intent of helping the other person in the short term, but screwing them over in the long term. However, they are more likely to go into a VillainousBreakdown if they are definitively rejected and/or if TheHero somehow manages to TakeAThirdOption. Also, their obsession with pointlessly backstabbing others they deal with means that over time, fewer and fewer people are willing to enter into deals with them, until they eventually run out of the souls they need to scam.

Also contrast VirtueIsWeakness, where the villain actually ''does'' comprehend what goodness entails, but sees it only as a weakness in others to be exploited. Although it is still possible for the villain to share both of these tropes, such as if the villain doesn't understand why the others don't share the same views as they do. If a VillainousBreakdown ensues, there could be a chance the villain not understanding how the hero won despite their weaknesses of virtue.

Supertrope of BewareTheHonestOnes and subtrope of WrongAssumption. Contrast GoodIsOldFashioned, SillyRabbitIdealismIsForKids, and the InvertedTrope of GoodCannotComprehendEvil. Compare BlueAndOrangeMorality. Often involves PsychologicalProjection. When someone evil ''is'' capable of understanding or admiring good, it may lead to SympathyForTheHero. If this trope is at work, it's because the villain thinks ''he'' is the good guy and is baffled at the heroes wanting to stop him, it's because he's ObliviouslyEvil. CuriousQualmsOfConscience could be similar to a milder form—characters who don't understand the good and the conscience within themselves.

As an aside, there is a definitive, IRL version of this: {{sociopath}}s are afflicted with a mental disorder, Antisocial Personality Disorder. One of their main (and deadly) traits is that they, quite literally, cannot grasp the concept of goodness due to their LackOfEmpathy. They lie [[ConsummateLiar constantly and incessantly]], [[ManipulativeBastard manipulate others over the smallest thing]], and sometimes [[ForTheEvulz do it for no gain at all]] other than [[ItsAllAboutMe to gratify themselves]], and will kill with no compunction other than to [[AxCrazy waste some time]]... [[ItGetsEasier and they]] think others are NotSoDifferent. They cannot even begin to imagine why anyone would care about or show mercy to anyone else, cannot empathize in any way, nor can they form emotional connections deeper than {{lust}} or [[TheHedonist raw desire]]. At heart, they're mentally unable to even imagine goodness, [[AllLovingHero kindness]], [[ThePowerOfFriendship friendship]] or [[ThePowerOfLove love]]. Sociopaths know the concepts do exist and can fake being genuine, but to them, they're just urban legends that "normies" spout [[BlueAndOrangeMorality nonsensically]]. So yes, they view [[VirtueIsWeakness good as a fad or scoff at it]].

** A variant occurs in [[Machinima/RedVsBlueSeason15 Season 15]], with it being more like "{{Revenge}} Cannot Comprehend {{Forgiveness}}: [[spoiler:[[SerialKiller Temple]], TheLeader of [[PsychoPrototype the Blues and Reds]], complains to the Blood Gulch Crew that they're not still angry with the UNSC for them having sold them all off to [[MadScientist Project Freelancer]] as nameless CannonFodder... and is completely flabbergasted when [[TVGenius Simmons]] just dismissively says that it's all "water under the bridge."]]

-->-- '''[[Literature/TheFourGospels John 1:5]]''', ''Literature/TheBible''

The KnightTemplar {{Fundamentalist}} won't realize that other people differ about the relative values of what they support versus what they're willing to sacrifice for its sake, [[ObliviouslyEvil wrongly assume]] they're the "good guy" (when they're obviously not), and don't understand why PayEvilUntoEvil in the [[WellIntentionedExtremist name of "law, order and justice"]] would be morally wrong. Most Knight Templars are convinced that MightMakesRight, and that since they are good they only kill the evil, so if you beat them but don't kill them, you are good too. Trying to reason with one isn't much good either, because many Knight Templar types believe that you're WithUsOrAgainstUs. After all, they are certain that only ''their'' cause is noble, and those in their way is at best a deluded fool who needs to be "purged" or at worst, an evildoer who needs to die.

This is when the villain has developed a [[EvilPlan devious plot that is prepared for anything]] that the hero might do — except for [[SpannerInTheWorks one glaring flaw]]. For some reason, the villain has not considered the possibility of a HeroicSacrifice. After all, you'd never catch ''him'' throwing his life away to save a bunch of lazy, ungrateful civilians who don't care about anybody except themselves. Heck, even saving your TrueCompanions comes after [[ItsAllAboutMe saving your own life]]. Only an idiot would throw his life away like that—and only because he didn't realize how much more profitable saving it would be. Sometimes that PR would be bad, but [[WhatYouAreInTheDark you only have to get him to where he can act secretly]] to get it out of him.

Villains with a history of ChronicBackstabbingDisorder always think the other side will inevitably betray them. However, their tendency to betray at critical moments [[RealityEnsues quickly spreads wide and far]] [[ReformedButRejected to the point no one trusts them when they genuinely try to redeem themselves and befriend others]]. Likewise, due to their abrasive attitude and inability to form meaningful relationships, everyone avoids the JerkWithAHeartOfJerk ManipulativeBastard like a plague lest they get tricked by them.

*** A communist revolution takes place in America in 1933 as a result of the Clutch Plague. Despite some [[TheRevolutionWillNotBeCivilized dirty business]], the new leadership [[TheRevolutionWillNotBeVilified does not sink into the depravities of the Soviet Union]], and chooses not to execute political opponents like Robert Taft. This confuses a Soviet diplomat, and ''really'' pisses off Joseph Stalin.

* At the end of the ''Franchise/AceAttorney'' fangame ''VisualNovel/ApolloJusticeAceAttorneyCase5TurnaboutSubstitution'', when the [[BigBad Mysterious Bust Killer]] was revealed to be a [[spoiler:[[StrawNihilist nihilistic]] SerialKiller who claimed that she murdered 12 people, ''including her own brother'', just ForTheEvulz and [[ItsAllAboutMe to boost her ego]], it left everyone in the courtroom shocked. [[BitchInSheepsClothing Rhea Wits]] thinks murder is the highest form of living — so logically, killing as many people as she likes isn't just okay, it makes her a would-be higher life-form. And why is it okay to kill people? Because they're apparently "not really living." However, Apollo, having realized what kind of a [[YouMonster insane woman]] Rhea truly is, bluntly states that she is clearly incapable of loving anything or anyone, not ''[[EmptyShell even herself]]''.]]

While the ConsummateLiar might make blatantly false or contradictory statements to get what they want in the short term, but when they are exposed due to their deceptive nature, the liar might try to make another lie to patch up the original lie. Because of this, nobody trusts them due to their pathological habit of telling falsehoods. Even when the CosummateLiar ''finally'' realizes where their habit has led them and [[CassandraTruth actually tells the truth]], they're still [[RealityEnsues seen as]] distrustful.

While the ConsummateLiar might make blatantly false or contradictory statements to get what they want in the short term, but when they are exposed due to their deceptive nature, the liar might try to make another lie to patch up the original lie, but as with villains who have ChronicBackstabbingDisorder or are {{Manipulative Bastard}}s, nobody is willing to trust the ConsummateLiar due to their pathological habit of telling falsehoods.

TheRichWantToBeRicher by all means possible. They are intent on gaining extra money to add to their fortune, even if they already have enough money for them to live in the lap of luxury for the rest of their days. Simply put, enough is never enough for them, and they'll use underhanded means to obtain that wealth, even if it meant squandering their relations. As with the CCE, they don't realize that this is the reason why they're miserable.

The CorruptCorporateExecutive is a BadBoss who abuses their workers, uses shortcuts to drive competitors out of business, and makes decisions based on short-term profit rather than the long-term financial health of the company. But while they made their way to the top of the food chain by ruthlessness and greed, they never realize they're left LonelyAtTheTop, and that they have no actual friends, only devoted and sycophantic {{YesM|an}}en who can be easily replaced at their whim due to the CCE chasing after money day-in day-out. Of course, power can provide the CCE with short-term material comforts and gains, but it will never give them true happiness. Also, the CCE could have realized the errors they made over their career by placing their close relations over money, but because they chose to squander and alienate said relationships, it has made them a bitter shell of themselves. Thus, the CCE is unable to reconcile what they did with their current position, and as a result, is never able to fully enjoy their success.

The KnightTemplar {{Fundamentalist}} won't realize that other people differ about the relative values of what they support versus what they're willing to sacrifice for its sake, [[ObliviouslyEvil wrongly assume]] they're the "good guy" (when they're obviously not), and don't understand why PayEvilUntoEvil in the [[WellIntentionedExtremist name of "law, order and justice"]] would be morally wrong.

TheSocialDarwinist of the MightMakesRight variety thinks MiseryBuildsCharacter and believes that competition, suffering and struggle make the individual, and possibly society as a whole, superior. They believe in EvilVirtues like [[TheChessmaster cunning]], [[AmbitionIsEvil ruthlessness]], [[NoNonsenseNemesis opportunism]] and the ability to [[TheUnfettered endure and survive by any means necessary]], and view [[CrapsackWorld the world as a harsh and cynical place]] in which HobbesWasRight. However, they tend to undervalue things like [[LoveIsAWeakness love]], [[VirtueIsWeakness kindness]] or [[NiceGuysFinishLast pacifism]]. Their attitude [[RealityEnsues drives away everyone]], preventing them from making genuine friendships, and thus are truly LonelyAtTheTop because they always think cooperation makes one look weak. This belief in cutthroat dog-eat-dog-ism also renders them incapable of understanding true love.

[[folder:Roleplay]]
* In one ''Roleplay/GlobalGuardiansPBEMUniverse'' story, it was the titular hero team who invoked this trope. They were literally handed the exact location of Osama bin-Ladin and the rest of al-Queda's leadership by Lord Doom, one of their greatest enemies shortly after the 9/11 attacks and the fall of the World Trade Center (an event that took the life of one of their teammates). It took the Global Guardians nearly a week to take advantage of this intelligence because they could not think of a reason for Doom to help them that didn't involve an ulterior motive, a trap, or a distraction from some bigger scheme. Turns out, [[EvenEvilHasStandards Doom helped them out of a sense of horror, disgust, and anger for al-Queda's targeting "innocent bystanders".]]
[[/folder]]

!![[EvilLaugh Ha ha ha!]] Those pesky Tropers will keep all of the examples on one page, so it's easier to control - just like I would do! Wanna bet?

* EvilCannotComprehendGood/ProWrestling
* EvilCannotComprehendGood/{{Theatre}}

* EvilCannotComprehendGood/VisualNovels

* EvilCannotComprehendGood/WebOriginal

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''Wait, what do you mean you spread them across multiple subpages? ThisCannotBe! Noooo!''

-->-- '''[[Literature/TheFourGospels John 1:5]]''', Literature/TheBible