The Psychology of the Supervillain: Why We Love the Bad Guys
Dr. Travis Langley, a psychologist who studies pop culture, notes that villains allow us to explore our "Shadow Self"—the darker impulses we suppress in daily life. In Gotham City, villains aren't just criminals; they are philosophical counter-arguments to Batman's rigid order.
The Narcissist (The Riddler)
Driven by a need for intellectual validation. Their crimes are a cry for attention, screaming "Look how smart I am!" They fail because their ego demands they leave clues.
The Nihilist (The Joker)
Believes that rules are a joke and morality is a bad punchline. They don't want money; they want to prove that everyone is just one bad day away from snapping.
The "Anti-Villain" Phenomenon
Characters like Catwoman represent the "Anti-Villain." They act out of self-interest rather than malice. In psychological terms, they represent Pragmatic Survivalism. They will save the cat (literally), but they'll steal the diamond collar while doing it.
By understanding which archetype you align with, you learn about your own motivations. Do you crave order (Bane), validation (Riddler), or freedom (Catwoman)?