Category:Magnificent Bastard: Difference between revisions

{{IndexTrope}}

[[File:Lionel Luthor.jpg|link=Smallville|thumbnail|THE Magnificent Bastard.]]

{{quote|text=''"[[Worthy Opponent|Rommel]]... you [[Trope Namer|magnificent bastard]], I read your BOOK!"''|sign='''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJXKVOxqkWM George S. Patton]'''|source=''[[Patton]]''}}

If there was ever a character that deserved to be called “Magnificent”, that character ''is'' the '''Magnificent Bastard'''. The Magnificent Bastard is what happens when you combine the [[Chessmaster]], the [[Trickster]], and the [[Manipulative Bastard]] ([[Large Ham]] is optional): bold, charismatic, independent, and audacious. Capturing the audience with his charisma, incredible intellect, mastery of manipulation, and boldness of action, this character is a show-stealer, demanding your reverence at every turn. The term "Magnificent Bastard" was first used by General Patton in reference to Erwin Rommel in the film ''[[Patton]]'', upon realizing that he was facing a man who literally wrote the book on deceptive warfare. It acquired its current meaning courtesy of Lionel Luthor of ''[[Smallville]]'', who was given this nickname by the [[Television Without Pity]] boards.

So what makes a character a Magnificent Bastard? Let's break it down:

* '''[[The Chessmaster|They are brilliant]] and utterly devious''', to an almost breathtaking, mind-boggling degree. Call it [[The Chessmaster|genius]] or [[Xanatos Roulette|virtual omniscience]], but they always seem to [[Batman Gambit|know what everyone else is planning at any given moment]], and exactly how to arrange the game so [[Xanatos Gambit|they win every time]].

* '''[[Manipulative Bastard|They are smooth operators.]]''' They'll always know exactly what to say to [[Manipulative Bastard|position you where they want you]], [[Xanatos Gambit|always have a backup strategy]] and [[Xanatos Speed Chess|never loses their cool]]. Even if on the remote chance something happens that wasn't in their plans, [[Xanatos Speed Chess|you'd never know it]] [[I Meant to Do That|from their actions]].

* '''[[Visionary Villain|They have a goal]],''' and are not going to stop until they've completed it...[[Hidden Agenda Villain|whatever it is]]. To that end they will do almost anything. They'll move heaven and hell, and we ''want'' to see them succeed. Despite their choice of tactics, they are [[Noble Demon|rarely if ever pointlessly cruel]], and have reason for everything they do.

* '''They are charismatic,''' often [[The Charmer|charming]], their personality like a physical force. People tend to like them, sometimes even when they know they [[Faux Affably Evil|aren't on their side]], and even those who hate their guts [[Worthy Opponent|have to admit respect]]. Even when at their darkest, they have traits which one can't help but admire.

Other common aspects of a '''Magnificent Bastard''' include being a [[Large Ham]], a [[Sharp-Dressed Man]], [[Wicked Cultured]], [[Crazy Awesome]], and [[Dangerously Genre Savvy]].

A key difference that separates the '''Magnificent Bastard''' from other character tropes like the mere [[Manipulative Bastard]] or [[The Chessmaster]] is the Bastard's willingness to step onto the playing field in person. The risks are obvious, but the strategic advantages are numerous.

While usually an antagonist, especially if he's the [[Big Bad]], the '''Magnificent Bastard''' can be aligned on either side of a conflict. Hell, he's so amazing he tends to [[Ubermensch|forgo the idea of good and evil all together]], instead following his own agenda, choosing to [[Playing Both Sides|help whichever side]] will further his goals. However, it's true that his penchant for manipulation at the expense of others means it's common for him to be a [[Villain]], [[Villain Protagonist]], or at least an [[Anti-Hero]], but purely heroic examples exist. Either way, he's almost always in charge of whatever organization he's involved with, or [[The Man Behind the Man|might as well be]].

Aside from all the various aspects which come together to define the '''Magnificent Bastard''', compare and contrast the [[Smug Snake]], who may once have been a '''Magnificent Bastard''' in the making but fell short due to his own arrogance. When a villainous '''Magnificent Bastard''' becomes so over the top that he is no longer believable, then he becomes a [[Villain Sue]] (a regular [[Mary Sue]] for the heroic version). Also compare the [[Guile Hero]], who uses cleverness, trickery and manipulation but lacks the flair and depth of-planning to elevate him to '''Magnificent Bastard''' status. Despite the term, he is not likely to be a [[Bastard Bastard]], thanks to that person's inherent daddy issues, but there's nothing preventing him either.

Bonus points if at one point he or she (more commonly he) offers the enemy a [[Xanatos Gambit]] choice, and gives a [[Slasher Smile]].

Rarely a [[Complete Monster]], because audiences are likely to find it harder to admire such a character, but some bastards are so magnificent that they can get around this. Being a [[Smug Snake]] is a common trait of bastards ''trying'' to be magnificent.

As [[Willing Suspension of Disbelief]] and popularity can vary from person to person in an audience, [[Your Mileage May Vary]] as to which characters qualify for the title or fall under some other trope such as those stated above. Check this page out if you want to [[So You Want To/Write a Magnificent Bastard|Write a Magnificent Bastard]] of your own.

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Tropes of Legend]]

[[Category:Older Than Steam]]

[[Category:Gambit Index]]

[[Category:The Trickster]]

[[Category:YMMV Trope]]

[[Category:This Index Is Not an Example]]

[[Category:Villains]]

[[Category:Magnificent Bastard]]

[[Category:No Real Life Examples, Please]]

[[Category:The Utterly and Completely Definitive Guide to Cool]]