For those who haven’t read my first four blog posts: I am working on a framework to systematically analyze fictional characters, especially popular villains whom people root for. The goal is to gather data on what these characters have in common and why they are perceived positively and gain popularity among a wide audience. After completing foundational research, I am now beginning to develop my own framework. Since this will likely be a lengthy process, I want to define some clear goals to keep me focused and aligned with my initial vision while refining the framework.
Goals of This Long Odyssey in Analyzing Villains
- Focus and Scope
- Analyze villains with consideration of factors highlighted by Keen, McCoy, and Powell.
- Categorize, taxonomize, and analyze fictional characters of all natures and origins.
- Methodological Clarity
- Offer a fast and easy method to produce an extensive, comparable profile of any fictional character.
- Provide a systematic approach that is scalable to analyzing large numbers of characters (e.g., 100+).
- Analytical Value
- Deliver results that facilitate statistical comparison to identify common traits of popular villains.
- Add value to other use cases involving fictional character analysis and comparison beyond villains.
- Usability and Efficiency
- Prioritize quantity and efficiency, enabling detailed comparisons and similarity detection across many characters.
From Theory to Quantifiable Analysis: Introducing My Framework
Like Jens Eder’s Character Clock, my own model also consists of four parts that analyze characters in a similar manner. However, while Eder’s framework delves far more deeply into theoretical aspects, mine focuses on producing simple, quantifiable values that can be statistically compared. Therefore, all the attributes I mention can be measured by assigning numerical values or using custom categories (e.g., for Nature/Origin: Aberration, Humanoid, Godlike, etc.).
Part 1: Observable Traits
This section focuses, as the name suggests, on visual and audible traits that define the character. While emphasizing actual appearance, it also accounts for narrative role and origin, visual identity, and behavioral elements to create a comprehensive character profile. This part draws inspiration from the ACIS framework developed by Linke and Prommer.
Part 2: Personality Profile
To enable personality comparisons across characters, the Big Five model proved the best foundation for this section. It provides five distinct, measurable values tied to core personality traits that can be readily analyzed statistically.
Part 3: Symbolism & Motivation
This part summarizes why the character behaves as they do, what deeper meanings their behavior might convey, and what broader concepts or themes the character symbolizes.
Part 4: Creation & Cultural Context
This section considers when the character and their associated media were created, as well as the demographics of their creators and directors. These factors can provide valuable context for understanding audience perceptions. For instance, a character created 40 years ago might now be viewed positively due to nostalgia, whereas a recently created one reflects contemporary societal values.
But now let’s move to the interesting part: here is the first draft of my own framework in a more concrete form.
Framework Draft #1
Part 1: Observable Traits
(Surface-level, directly measurable characteristics from media portrayal)
- Narrative Role & Origin
- Role (Protagonist/Antagonist/ Minor Antagonist)
- Nature/Origin (type of fictional being, humanoid or otherwise)
- Visual Identity & Setting
- Color Scheme (dominant colors in depiction)
- Screen/Scene Context (typical environment or setting)
- Silhouette Distinctiveness (recognizability by shape/form)
- Expressive & Behavioral Traits
- Interaction Style (how character relates to others)
- Movement Style (physicality and motion)
- Voice Characteristic (tone, accent, style)
- Facial Expressions (common emotional display)
- Physical Attributes
- Gender
- Hair Color
- Eye Color
- Skin Color or Complexion
- Age
- Physique
- Screen Presence
- Duration Visible (screen time)
- Duration Speaking (spoken lines)
Part 2: Personality Profile
(Inferred psychological traits reflecting character’s inner dimensions)
- Extraversion
- Neuroticism
- Agreeableness
- Conscientiousness
- Openness to Experience
Part 3: Symbolism & Motivation
(Iconography and thematic drives behind the character’s role in the story)
- Iconic Symbol
- Lead Motif
- Symbolism
Part 4: Creation & Cultural Context
(Real-world metadata about character origin and creators, informing cultural and historical analysis)
- Year of First Visual Appearance
- Year of Creation
- Creator Demographics
- Gender
- Age
- Nationality
- Professional Background
- Industry Role History
- Cultural/Ethnic Background?
- Director Demographics
- Gender
- Age
- Nationality
- Professional Background
- Industry Role History
- Cultural/Ethnic Background?
That concludes this blog post! I’ll discuss and refine this first draft in future posts. Feel free to share your feedback. See you next time!
Literature:
- Linke, Christine, and Elizabeth Prommer. “From fade-out into spotlight: An audio-visual character analysis (ACIS) on the diversity of media representation and production culture.” Studies in Communication Sciences 21.1 (2021): 145-161.
- Keen, Richard, Monica L. McCoy, and Elizabeth Powell. “Rooting for the bad guy: Psychological perspectives.” Studies in Popular Culture 34.2 (2012): 129-148.
