YMMV / Skeleton Key

• Complete Monster: Conrad is a freelance terrorist and General Alexei Sarov's most trusted lackey. A former bomber who blew up his school and later committed terrorist acts across the globe, Conrad began to work for Sarov shortly after he was injured in an accident. After Sarov comes up with a plan to take over Russia by setting off a nuclear bomb and dismantling most of Europe, Conrad wastes no time helping Sarov get the materials he needs, killing anyone who interferes with their plans. Once Sarov kidnaps Alex Rider, Conrad tries to have him killed on numerous occasions, despite Sarov's demands to keep the boy alive. While Sarov wanted to bring Russia to a more stable country with him as its leader, Conrad only helped Sarov for the sake of getting rich, not caring that millions would perish in the process.
• Magnificent Bastard: General Alexei Sarov was an esteemed commander in the Russian army, who has become disillusioned with the end of the Cold War and the suffering of his people. Introduced as he coolly outwits and kills two mercenaries who try to blackmail him, Sarov plans to overthrow the corrupt Russian president and lead his country to become the dominant power in the world. Inviting the president to dinner, Sarov has him drugged and steals his plane, planning to trigger the explosion of a hazardous site of nuclear submarines, then release a doctored video to make the president appear indifferent to the crisis, which will spark an uprising and drive the president from power. Sarov handles every situation with a charming, sardonic wit, maintaining a genuine respect for Alex Rider for his sense of duty, and even handles his defeat with composure, calmly bidding Alex good-bye before shooting himself.

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