Why We Hate Bad Guys in Real Life But Love Them in Stories

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As a gamer with a rich history of immersing myself in both virtual and fictional worlds, I can attest to the undeniable allure that villains hold over us. Having spent countless hours battling against digital adversaries, from the Jackal to Chucky, I’ve come to understand the complexities that make these characters so captivating.

Narratives, whether based on fact or imagination, often thrive on a blend of compelling protagonists worth supporting and despicable antagonists worth despising. To put it another way, they require villains that elicit strong dislike, as audiences have a soft spot for villains – from the Jackal to Chucky.

In everyday life, it’s common for us to have a disdain towards unsavory individuals, whereas adoring fan bases often form around our preferred fictional antagonists. However, why does this happen? It appears that several unique psychological mechanisms are at play in our fascination with morally ambiguous and dishonorable characters.

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People like fictional villains who are similar to them

Most individuals tend to have a preferred antagonist, and this choice could reveal something about their personality. Studies based on online personality tests suggest that people are drawn to villains who exhibit similar traits. This is the reason behind the existence of shows like Peacock’s ‘House of Villains’. Although we might not desire real-life friendships with these characters, we enjoy watching them on television.

In fiction, we may find villains intriguing if they share traits with us, as they offer a means to delve into our hidden, less admirable qualities without damaging our personal image or standing. However, this preference differs significantly from our reactions in reality. When faced with someone who resembles ourselves behaving like a villain, we typically react negatively. This is because seeing such behavior in the real world starkly reflects our own potential flaws, which we generally try to avoid acknowledging.

Translating those same traits onto a fictitious figure seems to erase any initial discomfort, and instead, piques our curiosity even further. It’s not uncommon for individuals to be captivated by characters who embody intelligence, ambition, or power; these traits might spark self-recognition or an aspiration to possess them ourselves.

Our fascination with evil has an evolutionary origin

Beyond merely gazing at our darker counterparts, human fascination with antagonists could stem from a more profound reason. It’s evolutionarily advantageous to give particular focus to those we label as villains, as they potentially pose a danger.

If your neighbors are reliable, there’s no need for additional vigilance towards them. However, if they prove to be untrustworthy, it becomes important to keep a watchful eye on them. It seems that human psychology may have developed a certain intrigue or fascination that keeps us alert in potentially harmful situations.

We love some villains because we don’t consider them villains

In contrast to typical villains, antiheroes’ actions can be seen as acceptable within the story’s context due to their motivations and justifications. For instance, the character John Wick, a professional killer in fiction, is often perceived as less villainous because his actions are driven by specific reasons. A key aspect of a villain lies in understanding their underlying purpose or intent.

These characters – Poison Ivy, Killmonger, and Ava – have compelling reasons behind their questionable actions, like environmental activism, expanding care beyond a specific region, and seeking personal freedom respectively.

Why people love serial killers and true crime

True crime fascination might stem from the natural human curiosity to observe the hidden aspects of our world. This interest is often strengthened by what psychologists refer to as a ‘justice sequence’, where viewers encounter a crime, followed by an investigation leading to a trial and conviction.

For true-crime enthusiasts, what they witness is the darkest side of human actions, typically following the resolution when the crime has already been unraveled. Watching the subsequent legal proceedings offers a sense of reassurance, as it underscores that even though terrible events occur, they ultimately receive justice.

As a gamer, I find that when villains are skillfully woven into a game’s narrative, they transform from intimidating adversaries to intriguing characters. They become less threatening and more relatable, sometimes even becoming my favorite part of the gameplay experience.

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2024-11-22 23:31