Think of it as the difference between Frodo (who wishes to return to the Shire but knows a task must be completed) and Conan the Barbarian (who relishes the role of rough-hewn hero). They long to return to normal life and only continue on their quest out of obligation or necessity. The protagonist is thrust down the path of a story they don’t wish to be a part of. She leads an army of minions and refers to herself as the “Mistress of All Evil.” As opposed to anti-villains who are morally grey, the Evil Overlord is, well, pure evil.Įxample: In Sleeping Beauty, Maleficent’s castle is perched on a precarious and jagged mountain-top, looking over a land of darkness. The Evil Overlord is also often bent on world domination. Want to relive your fantasy-filled childhood? Check out the 60 best children's fantasy books right here, with classics from Lewis, Tolkien, Rowling, and more! 3) The Evil Overlordįire and brimstone, darkness and inhospitable lands, the Evil Overlord usually lives in a realm that reflects their wicked intentions, surrounded by their minions and followers. Found and raised by a fisherman, he eventually discovers his true identity. Lewis’ The Horse and His Boy, Shasta is a prince, kidnapped as an infant because he's been prophesied as the savior of Archenland. Maybe their mother had a summer fling with an undercover prince in her gap year.Įxample: In C.S. Perhaps they were switched at birth in some sort of hilarious misunderstanding. Maybe they lost their parents at a young age and were sent away for their own protection. Often, this fantasy character is raised on a farm or another humble situation that contrasts their true lineage. And for more heroes like HP, check out this list of other books like Harry Potter.) 2) The Secret HeirĪn orphan ends up being the long-lost scion to a royal throne. (Scroll down to the section on making tropes feel like new to see how this one is deconstructed. A character who is alone capable of fulfilling an important purpose, and whose responsibility is to resolve the plot’s main conflict - which will often be to save the world.Įxample: Harry Potter, who is literally called the Chosen One.
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