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Cleanup thread: Magnificent Bastard

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During the investigation of recent hollers in the Complete Monster thread, it's become apparent to the staff that an insular, unfriendly culture has evolved in the Complete Monster and Magnificent Bastard threads that is causing problems.

Specific issues include:

  • Overzealous hollers on tropers who come into the threads without being familiar with all the rules and traditions of the tropes. And when they are familiar with said rules and traditions, they get accused (with little evidence) of being ban evaders.
  • A few tropers in the thread habitually engage in snotty, impolite mini-modding. There are also regular complaints about excessive, offtopic "socializing" posts.
  • Many many thread regulars barely post/edit anywhere else, making the threads look like they are divorced from the rest of TV Tropes.
  • Following that, there are often complaints about the threads and their regulars violating wiki rules, such as on indexing, crosswicking, example context and example categorization. Some folks are working on resolving the issues, but...
  • Often moderator action against thread regulars leads to a lot of participants suddenly showing up in the moderation threads to protest and speak on their behalf, like a clique.

It is not a super high level problem, but it has been going on for years and we cannot ignore it any longer. There will be a thread in Wiki Talk to discuss the problem; in the meantime there is a moratorium on further Complete Monster and Magnificent Bastard example discussion until we have gotten this sorted out.

Update: The new threads have been made and can be found here:

     Previous post 
IMPORTANT: To avoid a holler to the mods, please see here for the earliest date a work can be discussed, (usually two weeks from the US release), as well as who's reserved discussion.

  • Why do a cleanup?: This trope definitely exists and has a well documented history of use. That being said, it frequently gets misused to a character who meets one of the components, namely that they are smart, charming while not necessarily even being a villain, or create good plans. While these are components, there is also a certain personality required, not to mention that all of the above are required to be present for a character to be a true Magnificent Bastard. As the trope attracts interest, it unfortunately brings in a lot of misuse and I thought the best way to rectify this would be a Perpetual Cleanup Thread, as is being done and has seen success with Complete Monster.

  • What makes a Magnificent Bastard: Below is a list of the individual components to make this character. Note that they must all be present, not just some, which has lead to frequent misuse:
    • Must be intelligent: Goes without saying, to be a Magnificent Bastard, the character has to be smart in the first place and use their brain to work towards whatever their end goal may be;
    • Must be a Bastard: While going overboard in how vile the character is can be detrimental, a key aspect is the Bastard part of the trope, whether the character is an out-and-out antagonist in the work, some manner of Villain Protagonist, or something in between, they at least have some unscrupulous qualities to qualify for this trope;
    • Must not be too detestable: Again, there is a ceiling on how bad the character can be before they just become too nefarious, blocking out the Magnificent part of the trope. A genocidal racist or child-raping Sadist aren't going to make the cut;
    • Think on their feet: In addition to being a Chessmaster, a Magnificent Bastard, if the character deals with situations in which their initial plan is ruined, has to be able to pull a Xanatos Speed Chess and at least come up with a competent strategy to make up for lost time, otherwise they fail for being unable to think in tough spots;
    • Have charm: Even if they don't necessarily make every character they meet fall in love with them and can even be detested by others, the audience has to find an amicable social relation to the character, or they are failing to make the impact required for this trope.

  • What to do if a character is listed on a page but has not been approved?: They need to be removed, all candidates need to come through the cleanup thread first. The character could well count but they need to be analyzed properly and voted on first.

  • Do we list Playing With this trope?: No; as a YMMV trope, this cannot be Played With, so we only want examples that are Played Straight.

  • What do I do if I want a character to be listed as a Magnificent Bastard?: The greatest success Complete Monster saw for its cleanup effort was from the invention of the effort post format, so, borrowing from that, a troper wishing to propose a Magnificent Bastard will create such a post in the following format:
    • Begin by describing The work, this will help establish the setting the character is in and for the reader to understand what kind of a scenario they are in;
    • Summarize The character's actions, this will provide a listing for readers to understand what they do and how it applies to this trope because charm and lack of smugness are so crucial, this is a good time to be incorporating exactly the flavor of how they operate to explain this;
    • List circumstances in which the character must Think on their feet, these are times where a wrench might be thrown in their initial plan and they have to adapt on the spot or even come up with a new scheme all together, this is also a good time to explain how the villain reacts to defeat when they have to face it, a true Magnificent Bastard won't break down into tears at the thought of death, they should have known such a possibility could occur and be able to handle it with more dignity;
    • The competition, similar to the Heinous Standard dealt with for a Complete Monster, this section is to deal with how successful the character is in carrying out their plans compared to other characters. While, as a villain, they probably are going to lose in the end, it is good to explain how other characters handle the same situation. There is no exceptionalism case to be made for this trope but explaining the variety helps the reader have a better understanding of the proposal.

  • How do you know when the character's arc is done so they can be proposed? When their tenure as a villain or antagonist finishes. This could happen in a single Story Arc in an entire work, a single work of a franchise, or the whole series in general. We'll show lenience to Long-Runners with constantly recurring candidates or series with outstanding continuities (ex. comic books), and it's entirely possible to count in a work or two but not in general for a reason like Depending on the Writer.

  • What about candidates evil because of external sources? Those Made of Evil can qualify if they show enough individuality and tactical acumen — in other words, they have the personality to fulfill the magnificence requirement. Conversely, those brainwashed, especially if they're a better person without it, may fail the individuality aspect and cannot count.

  • What if they are under orders from a higher-up? Depends. If the boss created the plans down to the letter and the candidate is just following them, sounds like we should discuss the boss instead. However, if the candidate takes creative liberties with the orders, adds their own charm and flair to them, fills in holes in the orders, and/or actively deals with obstacles their boss did not talk about, the candidate shows enough individual thinking to qualify.

  • What about Character Development? An MB is something a character can develop into... a nice person who plots well might become more morally gray as the work goes on and hits the "Bastard" criteria, thus making them viable. Likewise, a Smug Snake might shed their ego, become more understanding of the threat others pose and gain the personality or "Magnificent" criteria, likewise making them viable. Conversely, a character who looks like this trope might suffer from a Sanity Slippage or just get outed as not being as smart as they thought they were and become incompatible with MB.

  • Can an MB be a good guy? Not in the conventional sense... it is required they have at least some dubious traits lest they fail the "Bastard" criteria. That being said, a character who pulls a Heel–Face Turn or eventually stops taking villainous actions is still fair game: as there was a point in time where they were both "Magnificent" and a "Bastard" at the same time and they've merely adapted as time goes on. Now... if such a character begins showing other issues (i.e.: becomes prone to freak outs or starts getting outwitted) then they're compromising their Magnificence and will probably be deemed a cut. What's important is stylishly operating while at least for some time being willing to take at best underhanded methods to see a job done. A Heel–Face Turn in itself isn't a disqualifier but they do have to have been "Magnificent" and a "Bastard" at the same time and afterwards can't start slipping on the former front.

  • What about characters whose stories can take different routes?: When proposing a character in a form of media that has them in multiple story routes. Said character must be consistent with their characteristics in all routes. (ex.: Can't have an example who shows promise on one route yet fails in another.) The only exception is if a later installment of the series confirms the character's actions which made them worth proposing are the canon route.

  • Is there a timeframe rule like with Complete Monster?: Yes, please wait two weeks until after the work has concluded before proposing a character (again, usually using the North American air date). As is the case with CM, we want to give a reasonable time frame so that everyone interested in seeing the work has done so and can participate in the discussion without having anything spoiled.

  • What about groups like with Complete Monster?: This is a point of divergence between the two tropes. While CM does not allow for a single entry encompassing more than three characters lest their heinousness for crimes becomes too watered down, with MB as long as they are treated as one "unit" it is acceptable to lump all characters provided they share acts of charm and intelligence.

  • Can I propose my own work's character as a Magnificent Bastard?: No, this is a YMMV subject and the creator of a content is way too biased to be able to evaluate the criteria we're looking for without a second opinion taking over. That being said, you are more than welcome to encourage someone to consume your creation and if they feel a character counts, are more than welcome to suggest them.

Thread rules

When voting a troper must specify the effort post they're voting on and cannot merely vote on "Everything I missed" as in the past it has indicated the poster didn't read the effort post and is guessing instead of analyzing.

Resolved items

In general, a character listed on this trope is considered "settled". This means they should not be challenged unless information used to list them was incorrect or information was missed in the initial discussion.

However, when re-litigating a candidate, the same rules apply for when they were originally proposed. If they do not have five or more upvotes than downvotes for approval upon a re-litigation, including votes from the initial discussion if they do not change, then they are a cut.

This especially applies to the characters listed below, who have been discussed excessively and repeated attempts to get them listed/cut may result in punitive action for bogging down the thread.

Definitely an MB

Definitely not an MB

  • South Park: The show's frequent use of vulgar comedy and mean-spirited humor leaves any potential candidates devoid of the dignity or charm to qualify.

Edited by GastonRabbit on Aug 31st 2023 at 4:15:22 AM

KazuyaProta Shin Megami Tensei IV from A Industrial Farm Since: Jan, 2015 Relationship Status: [TOP SECRET]
Shin Megami Tensei IV
#61076: Oct 24th 2021 at 3:13:40 PM

Being honest, that doesn't sound like a disqualifier to me tbh. Phineas is deliberately a Serial Enabler, not a fighter.

[tup] Safin.

Edited by KazuyaProta on Oct 24th 2021 at 5:14:30 AM

Watch me destroying my country
43110 (Striking Back) Relationship Status: Reincarnated romance
#61077: Oct 24th 2021 at 3:19:51 PM

Did I get his listing right? Sorry there Ravok I thought I just saw Marvel in your EP and from the rest Spider-Man looked the best place to put him. If that needs to change please lmk!

Snoketrope Barb / Temporary Kylo from California Since: Oct, 2020 Relationship Status: Waiting for Prince Charming
Barb / Temporary Kylo
#61078: Oct 24th 2021 at 3:20:24 PM

Happy yes to Safin and Vicious.

Bow to the Prototype
papyru30 from Colorado for summer break Since: Aug, 2016 Relationship Status: Yes, I'm alone, but I'm alone and free
#61079: Oct 24th 2021 at 3:23:25 PM

For Tinker (yes there btw) how often does he show up in other people's books? Like Kraven fought Daredevil, Captain America, and the Hulk but those were one appearance each so it's not really enough to overtake the over 2 dozen appearances in Spiderman and related books.

Edited by papyru30 on Oct 24th 2021 at 4:25:58 AM

nwotyzal Since: Sep, 2019
#61080: Oct 24th 2021 at 3:27:04 PM

[tup]Safin (though his plan doesn’t make a whole lot of sense), Guide, Poison, & Vicious

43110 (Striking Back) Relationship Status: Reincarnated romance
#61081: Oct 24th 2021 at 3:27:46 PM

Thanos would like to have a word with Safin then!

Ravok Son of Liberty from Big Shell Since: Jun, 2015 Relationship Status: Complex: I'm real, they are imaginary
Son of Liberty
#61082: Oct 24th 2021 at 3:29:08 PM

@43: Naw I think Spidey listing will ultimately work just fine, I wasn't sure but I think Spidey tree is perfect!

@papyru: I'd say Tinkerer is the same as Kraven, there—dozens of Spider-Man appearances, maybe like 10 appearances in total spread across Cap, Hulk, Wolverine, etc. So Spidey would make sense.

No! That is NOT Solid Snake! Stop impersonating him!
43110 (Striking Back) Relationship Status: Reincarnated romance
PolarPhantom Since: Jun, 2012
#61084: Oct 24th 2021 at 3:35:01 PM

Yes to the Tinkerer and, finally, yes to Lucifer Safin.

I think his motives are a little muddy after killing Blofeld and he's a big weirdo at times but yeah, I'll say yes to him. I expected as such. I wouldn't say the Virus is painless though, if the deaths of Spectre's high command is anything to go by.

[down]Oh, I guess he could have edited the Virus to make it less painful for her. Yeah, that makes sense. I've seen the film twice and some parts still slip by me for some reason. Like, I figured he made the virus target their families as well was his revenge for his own family's death as well.

And I agree, it's weird that they kept playing him up in interviews as Bond's worst enemy. He's off-putting at times, but he's not exactly Satan.

Edited by PolarPhantom on Oct 24th 2021 at 3:55:19 AM

Lightysnake Since: May, 2010
#61085: Oct 24th 2021 at 3:47:35 PM

Well he had reason to want them to suffer more. He describes Madeleine as dying instantly should Bond ever touch her again

Edited by Lightysnake on Oct 24th 2021 at 3:48:00 AM

43110 (Striking Back) Relationship Status: Reincarnated romance
#61086: Oct 24th 2021 at 3:49:43 PM

To my understanding with Spectre he (understandably) had it out for the members, kinda inclined to see him drawing out the suffering of those bastards a bit more.

therealjackieboy from Austin, TX Since: Feb, 2014 Relationship Status: watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
#61087: Oct 24th 2021 at 3:50:46 PM

[tup] The man who killed James Bond

It's Spooky Month!
nwotyzal Since: Sep, 2019
#61088: Oct 24th 2021 at 3:57:53 PM

I had this question that got buried, can anyone answer?

Edited by nwotyzal on Oct 24th 2021 at 3:58:08 AM

43110 (Striking Back) Relationship Status: Reincarnated romance
#61089: Oct 24th 2021 at 3:58:50 PM

Sorry nwot, been too long on that one here for me to help.

Lightysnake Since: May, 2010
DocSharp Since: Jun, 2011
#61091: Oct 24th 2021 at 4:08:33 PM

BTW, now that Lady Luck is approved and we seem to have eased up a little bit on what pictures to use, how would we feel about this image for the video games page?

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ladyluck_mb.jpg
"Time for another round of Dicey Dungeons, where the fun never stops. Just like our contestants, who are trapped here for ever!"

SkyCat32 The Draftsman of Doom (Five Year Plan) Relationship Status: TV Tropes ruined my love life
The Draftsman of Doom
#61093: Oct 24th 2021 at 4:13:00 PM

I guess you could say I'm "game" for that image, Doc.

Ravok Son of Liberty from Big Shell Since: Jun, 2015 Relationship Status: Complex: I'm real, they are imaginary
Son of Liberty
#61094: Oct 24th 2021 at 4:13:16 PM

Love the image, Doc!

The Faun...hmmm I suppose I could see it, the dude is creepy and always has an aura of dark foreboding around him. He has good intentions but it does come off a bit like he's deliberately putting Ophelia through some rough trauma and quests, so I'd hear out an effortpost!

On the note of The Spectacular Spider-Man, though...if anyone is interested, I think its iterations of Shocker and Mysterio might actually be worth discussion; the former in large part simply for being a legit Adaptational Badass of one of Spidey's most commonly joke baddies, while Mysterio consistently pulls hilarious Karma Houdini and Actually a Doombot moves everytime he seems to be beaten.

I'm hella busy for now so anyone who wants to look into them is totes free to, they're at the least very likely potentials with my only real hesitation being that they would be MBs #5 and #6 respectively in a 26 episode cartoon that already has 4, but ehh it's a show that loved its intelligent, badass characters so it's prolly fine.

Edited by Ravok on Oct 24th 2021 at 4:13:59 AM

No! That is NOT Solid Snake! Stop impersonating him!
43110 (Striking Back) Relationship Status: Reincarnated romance
#61095: Oct 24th 2021 at 4:15:33 PM

I fucking love that image Doc!

G-Editor The 47th President Since: Mar, 2015 Relationship Status: Above such petty unnecessities
The 47th President
#61096: Oct 24th 2021 at 4:16:33 PM

[tup] to Safin and Vicious.

So saw Training Day yesterday and I'm thinking about posting Denzel Washington's Alonzo Harris. He's the Big Bad of the movie and is a badass, brilliant and charismatic manipulator and chessmaster. However the only problem I have on Alonzo is the end where his partner and his community decides that he's Not Worth Killing, and Alonzo is later unceremoniously shot down by the Russians for failing to deliver his money to them on time. Still what is your guys opinion on Alonzo counting as an MB?

My sandbox of EPs and other stuff
miraculous Goku Black (Apprentice)
Goku Black
#61097: Oct 24th 2021 at 4:19:29 PM

[up][up][up]I could do Mysterio from there if no one minds.

I love that funny dude.

Tbf to Shocker. Their might be genuine runs in the comics where he could legit count as this. For all his goofiness, he can be a legit threat and hence theirs a good reason he's still one of Peter's most enduring foes.

"That's right mortal. By channeling my divine rage into power, I have forged a new instrument in which to destroy you."
Riley1sCool Since: Dec, 2014
#61098: Oct 24th 2021 at 4:21:01 PM

Adore the image and I'd love to see a Mysterio count, he's one of my favorite villains!

Amanofmanyinterests Gotta love Jaws! Since: Oct, 2020 Relationship Status: Armed with the Power of Love
43110 (Striking Back) Relationship Status: Reincarnated romance
#61100: Oct 24th 2021 at 4:24:03 PM

Alonzo is a great villain but not this trope at all. He's a pathetic, corrupt coward who's gone too deep in the hole as a crooked cop and gets killed unceremoniously for it.


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