Villains

 In surveying the stories

I have run across so far

In books and movies,

In short fiction and epic poems, 

In history and historical fiction,

From Disney animations, 

To action movies, 

To Pulitzer prize-winning dramas,

I have noted that, generally

Villains all share certain traits:

Pride, selfishness, self-centeredness, 

A love of hierarchy,

A disdain for those they consider lesser. 

A need for power,

A love of efficiency - usually ruthless.

A devotion to Rights, but only for 

Themselves. 

A love of cruelty.

A desire to inflict harm.

Ambition, and a willingness

To to turn anyone who gets in their way

Into an object. 

A white, hot, fierce need to defind their own

Reputation.

Jealousy toward anyone who threatens their 

Self image. 

A need to project their flaws onto their perceived 

Enemies. 

Above all, 

They want to 

Convince those around them 

That their vices are Virtues.

And their strategy often works. 

Many people flock to villains,

Worship them, literally idolize them, 

Write them checks. 

And feel good about supporting cruelty, 

Hatred, and death. 

The worst people in the world 

Think they are 

The best people in the world.

They are wrong.