What Makes a Movie Character Stick: Why So Many Juniors Had the Same Villain by Liv Ingvoldstad

The Juniors know all too well about Disney movies and villains right now. One of the most striking things about the Disney villain project was how many people (at least the ones who could choose their own villains) chose the same villains. It is most certainly possible that most people chose a villain that could help them get the best grade but there was a shocking number of people covering villains like Mother Gothel, Scar, Maleficent, and Ursula. This begs the question, what made so many people choose those villains in particular? I have been able to find three main reasons. 

The first reason is that these are simply the best villains to make a rhetorical analysis essay, poster and presentation on. Their songs, speeches and actions practically wreak of rhetoric, which makes it all too easy to choose a song or moment that easily supplies sufficient evidence. The 4 villains I mentioned make excellent candidates for the project for that reason exactly.

The second reason is that most people have already seen these movies and are familiar with the characters and plot. This background information is vital for creating a quality project. I am willing to bet a decent amount of money that almost anyone has seen at least one of the movies featuring these villains. 

The third reason is that these villains are simply infamous. Even if you have somehow managed to see none of those movies, I am willing to bet an even larger amount of money that you heard of these villains and know which movies they are from. This brings me to my broader point about how some characters and movies simply stick with people and become classics. Strong distinctive villains and plot lines stay with the audience long after the credits roll. More often than not the villain will actually make the movie, being the most complex and compelling character. The next time you watch a movie, I encourage you to pay attention to what you love about it. Yes the protagonist but perhaps, just maybe, the antagonist makes the movie that much more interesting and entertaining.