Villain Archetype: The Sadist

Smart and sly, the Sadist wants you for dinner. He’s waiting just to trip you up. One false move and you are his. Not only is the game rigged in his favor--he invented it, with the cruel intention of watching you suffer. If he’s picked you, applaud yourself for he wants an intellectual challenge.

Prime example is the movie Seven with Kevin Spacey. Spacey plays serial killer “John Doe” who rationalizes his crimes as absolution for the world's ignorance of the Seven Deadly Sins. In the end, Brad Pitt is ensnared by Spacey’s sin of envy and commits the sin of wrath by murdering Spacey in a fit or rage. All of this part of his plan to show people what the world is like and to punish the wicked.

The warped mind of the Sadist views violence and misery as a sport. He may play an active role in your anguish or take a seat behind-the-scenes. Recall the movie Saw? The Jigsaw killer, played by Tobin Bell was a backseat architect of torture yet in the end we learn he was the corpse lying in the center of the room.

The Sadist doesn’t intend human harm or death but will laugh with ease at your demise, though he will likely pout shall you expire before a few thrills. In his game, you don’t want to be the mouse. Trust me.

Thanks for Reading!
Sloan Seymour