Female Villains The Eight Classic Archetypes of Villainess

Female Villains The Eight Classic Archetypes of Villainess

The Bitch • Abusive autocrat • Lies, cheats, and steals her way to the top • Doesn’t care about the peons around her – only the achievement of her dreams matter One Tree Hill Class President Erica Marsh

The Black Widow • A beguiling siren who lures victims into her web • Does her best to make her victim want to be deceived • An expert in seduction • Don’t be fooled by her claims of love – it’s all a lie Calypso from The Odyssey

The Backstabber • Two-faced friend • Delights in duping the unsuspecting • Her sympathetic smiles enable her to learn her victims’ secrets • Put no faith in her – she’ll betray you every time The whole concept of the Mean Girls movies centers around back-stabbing. Shout to the La. Rocca twins, who provided this example!

The Lunatic • Unbalanced madwoman • Draws others into her crazy environment The villainous character from Sherlock Holmes

The Parasite • The poisonous vine, she collaborates for her own comfort • She goes along with any atrocity, so long as her own security is assured • She sees herself as a victim who had no choice, and blames others for her crimes • Expect no mercy from her – she won’t lift a finger to help anyone but herself Mystique from X-Men and Poison Ivy from Batman

The Schemer • The lethal plotter • Devises the ruin of others • Elaborate plans, intricate schemes – nothing pleases her more than to trap the unwary

The Fanatic • The uncompromising extremist • Does wrong in the name of good • She justifies her action by her intent Catwoman

The Matriarch • The motherly oppressor, she smothers her loved ones • She knows what’s best and will do all in her power to control the lives of those who surround her Any female villains from Disney

Tonight’s Homework • Select three of these archetypes • Write a brief paragraph about each one, explaining a particular example from movies, TV, or literature