Polite Villains, Rude Heroes: Difference between revisions

{{trope}}

 

{{quote|'''Nicodemus:''' What would you say if I told you that you and I might have a great many common interests in the future?

 

Depending on how this is treated in the context of a story, it could serve as a [[Pet the Dog]] moment, or alternatively, it could serve as a sign that the villains really, REALLY don't deserve respect and hence the heroes will not give it to them. Then again, that would by its very nature imply the villains at least humble enough to be polite to the heroes... or at least not too proud to pretend to be.

 

* [[Inuyasha|Inu-Yasha]] and his half-brother have no love lost between them. Sesshomaru is formal but contemptuous while Inuyasha is generally rude to almost everyone to begin with. Though Sesshomaru also does [[Fantastic Racism|insult Inuyashu over being a Hanyo/Half-Demon]], so it's kinda hard to think of him as polite when he does that.

* ''[[Gun X Sword]]'' seems to fit. Although Wendy and Joshua are nice enough, Van and Ray and to a lesser extent Carmen 99 are pretty jerkish, while the Claw and all of his minions are a really nice bunch.

* ''[[Fullmetal Alchemist (manga)|Fullmetal Alchemist]]'' has Edward Elric, the bratty teenage genius protagonist who's brash, short-tempered and swears quite a bit. He is constantly calling his opponents (and his own father) "bastard" and "third-rate novice". In contrast, the main villain, Father, heals his broken arm, inquires after his health and family, and allows Ed to live and continue his journey while he casually plans the {{spoiler|death of over 50 million people just so he can eat God and acquire all knowledge in the universe... It makes sense in context}}. The Fuhrer of Amestris, King Bradley, even invites Edward and his brother Alphonse to tea. There's also Solf J. Kimblee, the Crimson Alchemist, a mass-murdering psychopath who treats Edward's mechanic, Winry Rockbell, with genuine respect and kindness while politely asking Ed to {{spoiler|stage yet another massacre at Fort Briggs.}}

* Played with in ''[[Dragonball Z]]'' with Frieza (prior to his [[Villainous Breakdown]] from Goku turning Super Saiyan), who generally polite with the characters fighting him. The played with part is Goku initially extends the same courtesy before [[Kick the Dog|Frieza kills Krillin right in front of him for no reason]].

 

== Films -- Live-Action ==

{{quote|'''Dooku:''' You have fought gallantly. Worthy of recognition in the archives of the Jedi Order. Now it is finished. Surrender -- and your lives will be spared.

'''Windu:''' We will NOT be hostages to be bartered, Dooku.

* In the book ''[[The Robots of Dawn]]'' by [[Isaac Asimov]], Elijah Baley reflects at one point how the supposed "good guy", Dr. Han Fastolfe is unpleasant and antisocial, while Kelden Amadiro, the "villain", seems friendly and accommodating. The "wolf" behind Amadiro's apparent friendliness becomes apparent to Baley later.

* This sort of contrast happens a lot between Harry Dresden and "Gentleman" John Marcone in ''[[The Dresden Files]]''. Marcone is usually polite to Harry; Harry rarely shows Marcone much respect in return, since Marcone is a mob boss. This happens a lot between Harry Dresden and practically any villain he talks to; the supernatural [[Big Bad|big bads]] of the Dresdenverse generally try to maintain a pretense of civility, and Harry... [[First-Person Smartass|generally doesn't.]]

* ''[[Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea]]'': This is the dynamic between [[Wicked Cultured]] [[The Captain]] Nemo and [[Idiot Hero]] Ned Land. Nemo is [[Affably Evil]], and Ned Land doesn’t lost any chance to insult Nemo, no matter how petty. Nemo is a [[Well-Intentioned Extremist]] that maintains Ned in a [[Gilded Cage]], and then you realize that [[Dumbass Has a Point]].

 

 

== Live-Action TV ==

'''Bester:''' A piñata, huh? So, you think of me as something bright and cheerful, full of toys and candy for young children? Thank you! That makes me feel much better about our relationship. }}

* This is the impression Chirs Sims and David Uzumeri had when they [http://www.comicsalliance.com/2010/12/27/recap-smallville-episode-1-1-pilot/ recently watched] the pilot episode of ''[[Smallville]]'': Pa Kent is a dick who eventually pushes Lex into supervillainy.

 

== Web Original ==

 

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Characterization Tropes]]

[[Category:Villains]]