Magnificent Bastard: Difference between revisions

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.

{{noreallife| Itit's problematic to call people this outside of works of fiction.}}