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* [[Chase Young]] from the cartoon [[Xiaolin Showdown]]
* [[Chase Young]] from the cartoon [[Xiaolin Showdown]]
* [[Davros]] from [[Doctor Who]]
* [[Davros]] from [[Doctor Who]]
* [[Dick Cheney]] [[Vice President]] of the [[United States of America]].
* [[Dick Cheney]] the [[Vice President]] of the [[United States of America]].
* [[Doctor Clayton Forrester (MST3K)|Doctor Clayton Forrester]] from the [[Mystery Science Theater 3000]]
* [[Doctor Clayton Forrester (MST3K)|Doctor Clayton Forrester]] from the [[Mystery Science Theater 3000]]
* [[Doctor Doom]] from the [[Fantastic Four]]
* [[Doctor Doom]] from the [[Fantastic Four]]

Revision as of 19:18, 1 August 2006

For the computer game, see Evil Genius (game).
File:Dr Evil.jpg
Dr. Evil in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, a parody of Ernst Stavro Blofeld.

The Evil Genius is an archetype or even a caricature that is a recurring staple in certain genres of fiction, particularly comic books, spy fiction, action films and cartoons. From Wile E. Coyote to Professor Moriarty, the evil genius is a common adversary and foil of the hero.

As the term suggests, evil geniuses are characters of great intelligence who choose to use their knowledge for antisocial ends. To qualify as an evil genius, one must use cunning to craft complex plots that cause havoc and destruction; criminal tendencies are a must. Their schemes often hinge on mundane details that heroes can exploit, foiling their plots at the climax of the story.

Evil genius in philosophy

In his attempts to find what can be known without a doubt, French philosopher René Descartes famously assumed that an evil genius (sometimes translated as evil demon) was trying to keep him from learning the truth.

Origins

Evil geniuses have commonly had difficult childhoods. They may have been orphans or witnessed their parents' horrible deaths. Ironically, this is often the origin of superheroes. Normally, this is used to contrast them from superheroes. It implies that there is nothing different from the hero, and the villain, except a single choice.

Characteristics

The evil genius is different from the mad scientist, in that the mad scientist is more 'amoral' than evil. An Evil Genius is generally a clever schemer, while the Mad Scientist typically pursues scientific knowledge with no regard for the consequences. A mad scientist might create an army of zombies, just to see if it is possible, but an evil genius would have a diabolical use for this army, and a plan to escape the town without being bitten.

Stewie Griffin, an infant evil genius from Family Guy, has concocted yet another diabolical plot. The time travel device shown here was designed to bypass the painful appearance of Stewie's first teeth. (Note he has teeth already in picture.)

Hubris is a common characteristic among evil geniuses, so much so that they often boast of their grand designs to their adversary, or otherwise compromise their plots in a moment of overconfidence. Their excuse for this fatal grandstanding is often that only the hero can appreciate the Genius's plan. These characters often anoint themselves with professional or royal-sounding titles like "Doctor", "Baron", or "The Magnificent," or even some combination of titles.

It is very common in American films for the cunning villain to be British. See Ethnic stereotypes in American media — British.

Getting Good Help

Evil geniuses frequently have inept henchmen, who equally frequently help foil their plans, whether intentionally or not.

Examples of evil geniuses

See also

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