Do you usually root for the hero or the villain?

Question

Often times, when I'm watching a film/TV show or reading a book, I find myself rooting more for the villain than for the hero (or anti-hero). I'm not exactly sure why that is, maybe it's just that I usually find the villains more interesting, their characters are usually more fun and playful (sadistically playful, of course). I don't always necessarily identify with the villains (sometimes I do), but I do feel a cathartic release when watching them do their thing.

When you're watching a film or a TV show, or maybe reading a story or novel, who do you find yourself rooting for more often?

>> The hero -or- the villain? <<

Why do you think that is? Catharsis? Character development? Your own character traits/flaws?

What are your thoughts on this?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Other, I would root for the anti-hero. He/she is nor a hero neither a villain. Expectations for every heroes are high while being a villain is something people look down since they are bad people. But they became bad for many reasons, but heroes they just bust them put them in jail without negotiation. Why I root anti heroes, they aren't to be heroes it's just situation made them a hero. There is bad in every good and there is good is every bad.

TV always show the black and white part of fantasy not real life, there are no such thing of silver lining in some movies, the good always the hero and bad always the villain but in real life will a person going to be perfectly perfect I don't think so, even superman has his own weakness.

So every time I watch TV or anything I'll just watch them thinking, is this perfect person exist because if they do then I'm going to root them but unfortunately they don't so, I'm just going applause heroes like superman/batman/spider man but praying for the villains to change. So I'm neutral. I only support for the anti-hero, hero depends on the situation.

Moonrisekitten · Accepted Answer

Hero. My boyfriend always roots for the villain and it used to worry me. I had never seen that before. I used to think "am I dating a sociopath?". But I've heard of other people that just think the villain is "cool", kinda like he does. And so now I just see it as another one of his quirks. It's kinda cute. I think it makes him even more interesting. I just have too much emotion invested when I get into a movie/book to root for the bad guy. I almost always have sympathy for them though. Some villains are they way they are because they've been wronged and hurt. Kind of like in real life. Just realized, my boyfriend is more think the villains than I thought! Minus the actual hurting people and plotting to rule the world stuff of course, but because he (and I) can have a real sick sense of humor and entertainment sometimes but that's probably just because of what we've been exposed to

lilstrwberygal · Accepted Answer

Well in TV shows and movies its usually the hero because TV and movies tend to make the hero so good and the villains so bad...its sort of like if you put Hitler against the Virgin Mary, you'd have to be a psychopath to root for anyone else. In novels though, or a show were there is a lot of character development and nothing is black and white, I tend to root for the anti-hero. By  that I mean, I root for the person that some characters might consider a villain but is really ambiguous. Example; in the Harry Potter series my favorite character was Snape vs. Harry who is the all around good guy. Or as far as super heroes go, I'd find myself relating to someone like Batman or Catwoman more than Super man.

makesumwake · Accepted Answer

the hero vs villain is just a relative term, that more describes whose perspective the story is told through rather than who is good or evil.

now often the villain IS portrayed as evil, so I makes it obvious who is the good guy and how is the bad guy.

but if you think about it, a lot of movies could have been redone through the eyes of the villain, and if you get to see the villains motivations and desires and dreams and justifications of his actions, and you would naturally side with the villain.

the government chases a thief for stealing. or is this the story of robbin hood?

the police chase down the masked villian who takes the law into his own hands. or is this batman?

a man fight to save his race against those trying to wipe out his race. or is this magneto in xmen?

wonderingman · Accepted Answer

I rarely ever root for the good guys, the only ones I do root for are Batman and Captain America.

Batman cause I can Identify with his screwed up life and twisted want to do what's right.

Captain America cause he stands for everything that I strive to be, and upon seeing him succeed I feel as though I can as well. (Strange but true.))

But 98% of the time I root for the villains Joker, scarecrow deadpool, magneto, Doc-Oct, Majin Vegeta, All evil forms of Buu, etc. Is because I relate heavily to their way of thinking.

My friends have often told me I have a very deprecating view on life and society, but yeah, most villains especially Joker are like Heroes to me so I guess in a strange way I do root for the Hero's it just depends on who's side your on.

madhatters4 · Answer

I typicaly root for the hero (probably 75-80% of the time) but there are definitely ocassions when I root for the villain mostly to hope to see some different outcome in a movie and then see how the world would react when hero is incapable of solving the problem

MuzePk · Answer

Oh yes. I root for anti-heroes as well. But let me inform you (you might have noticed this well) that not every drama/film has quality hero or villain.

Finding a quality / classic villain is tough but finding a classic hero is tougher.

There are, for sure, many films out there but for the hero role, I can only think of Al Pacino in The Godfather trilogy as the master piece. For the villain, I like Hugh Weaving in The Matrix, Robert Patrick in Terminator 2 and Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight. Well those roles are classics (don't underestimate the heroes in these films, they were equally marvelous).

SO YES. I, too, often look for villains.

HandsomeRaj · Answer

I vote 'C' - Other (please explain) so here goes lol :D

Though it may seem to me that I root for the hero, it depends on the story and cast generally. If someone were to place Timothy Olyphant or Liam Neeson or Robert De Niro etc I'd root for them even if they played the negative part i.e. villain.

However, on a general aspect I'd always root for the hero :D

Again, if the villain's a woman then I find the whole thing somehow VERY alluring in which case I'd always prefer the villain when it's a woman :D :D

Krypt0nite · Answer

Depends which I relate more to and which I would have been in the circumstances.

I also think it's important to consider from whose view the film/series/story is shot/told from. Take a show like sons of Anarchy - biker outlaws. They murder, steal, back stab etc. These are 'wrong', immoral, undesirable, reprehensible things, right? But the story is told from their perspective so the viewers get a look into their lives and situations, we identify with them, empathize. We understand where they're coming from and justify their actions - often times root for them when they commit crimes/immoral acts.

We view the law enforcement (generally good guys) agencies as 'bad' because they're out to get these guys who we've developed a soft spot for.

It really depends hey. I feel as though the story tellers are directly responsible for who we choose to identify with and root for much of the time.

Phoenix1991 · Answer

My opinion alternates from time to time. Usually I stand for justice, So I would normally root for the hero but sometimes the villains speak to me, just matters on their views.

Example: In the DC comics, The league of shadows is a secret society of assassins which influence governments and people to do what's right. They will kill or do some rough things in the name of justice but sometimes I can side with them on things but sometimes I don't.

Sometimes I just like villains like the joker or Deadpool because they're more entertaining than the heroes.

RedThread · Answer

Hmm it depends on what it is.. If the villain is more exciting than the hero I will root for him. In reality I wouldn't but for a show or movie it's fair game. I frequently root for villains when I read comic books. I think the Joker is just epic because of his simplicity. He doesn't have a goal besides upending everyone else's plans and goals and causing anarchy. In a sense he's a selfless madman which is kind of nuts. I don't like when villains have a clear endgame because I think it makes them too methodical which doesn't seem maniacal to me. Madness coupled with genius and simplicity is something I always root for.

I root for heroes when they are tortured heroes or have serious character flaws. I don't like it when heroes are like perfect flawless individuals because it isn't realistic. There are moral grey areas in all aspects of life and a goody two shoes isn't relatable.

kairon156 · Answer

I said other because the main example I could think of involving heros and villans is ReBoot.

I like Matrix, AndraIA, Dot, Bob, Hexadecimal, and Megabyte. They are a mixture of heroes and villans who work very well togther.

so I root for a good story, plot, conclusion, and character development. As long as I'm intrested in all the characters it doesn't matter who wins as long as I enjoy the ending as much as the story.

DivaMonae · Answer

Throughout fims or books I usually cheer on the hero, but for some odd reason whether I'm in a play, playing a game when I was younger, or actually could be a hero or villain in real life I definitely woyld be a villan.

I have no clue why (shrugs shoulders)... It just seems more fun and exciting.

If I actually could be a villan one day I would have the power to take superhero's powers xD

Slavanna · Answer

Most of the time I side with the villain or... well, as weird as it sounds, a sidekick. Those guys are neglected most of the time, they don't get the attention they deserve. Whether it's a sidekick to the hero or to the villain, sometimes they have some great potential to be just as significant as the main characters... if they only had the chance! The interesting sidekicks are not seen as often as I wish though, so I went with "villain". These bastards are just irresistable most of the time.

atorin · Answer

It depends ha ha, it is not who is good or evil, but who is more personable. If you can connect with the villain because he is witty, smart, and funny then you root for him, while the hero has no depth. The same is possible when the positions are reversed, you root for who you can connect with most. Plus the villain almost always looses and people like a underdog ha ha

Luv2BRealExotic13 · Answer

Say if I was reading and watching Batman, and Joker was in it. I'm rooting for Joker because he's just General Bad A$$ery in a crazy way.  If it were a TV show like The Originals I'm on team Klaus. I guess cause I chose villians that are kind of like me and they don't hide how bad they are.

Elektrika · Answer

I root for the villains when they have good motive (i.e: Once upon a time series: Regina Mills)

it gets old when good always wins and everything gets back to normal. Villains want change, they have an elaborate plan and an awesome evil laugh. They've been through stuff in their lives, it wasn't all fairytale and sunshine. They can justify themselves for selfish reasons, a hero can't, it's always about selflessness.

I'm not saying heroes are wrong, I just think bad guys are more badass.

Deviouscourage · Answer

I don't necessarily go for anyone who's a "hero" or "villain". But I root for the person who catches my interest from personality.

I.E.

If the hero's a badass player from the Bronx, YO! Then I'll be rooting for the hero.

If the Villain is intelligently smart with a very wise choice of words as he speaks. Then I'll be rooting for them too.

Depends which person's personality catches my taste.

Rogue2 · Answer

Unless the villain is downright remorseless, I'd have to say them. Today's films, novels and TV series tend to put more emphasis and provide a backstory onto why they do what they do in an effort to make the viewers nothing but empathetic for them. At times you feel you can relate and hence, you're rooting for them.

Anonymous · Answer

Viilains. The whole plot of the movie is usually stopping whatever the villain wants to do, and keep the environment the same. It's almost as frustrating as hearing someone talk about how much they love this one pizza place, and they keep talking about it the whole time we're downtown yet we drive right by there.

TheManHimself · Answer

villian, and it sucks how the women never get raped, I mean is a movie, I don't want that in real life, neither I want to see someone killed in real life, but if it is OK to see a lot of killings in movies, it should be OK to see a lot of rape.

Daph81 · Answer

I'm the classic "rooting for the hero" type =)

And if the hero is annoying, I'd just stop watching or reading. I've never rooted for the villain ever. Feel sorry or sympathize with them, sure, but never want them to win.

UberTroll · Answer

Nine times out of ten it's the hero for me. Unless the hero is really unappealing or the villain is extremely sympathetic then I always cheer for the good guy. I'm surprised I'm the only one who voted that way lol

tenchu11 · Answer

depends, some villains are the good guys. Sort of like paradise lost, you feel bad for Lucifer at the end..but then again...he is Satan. Magnito is a villain but humans are evil (he was in a concentration camp as a child)

Janson · Answer

For me its usually the hero. I would really have to dislike the hero for me to cheer for the villain. That being said, what makes a good hero in a movie is a good villain so...

GreatnessPersonified · Answer

Depends on who has more charisma and a generally low body count.  For instance, I like the Joker, but he's homicidal out the ass, so I root for Batman.

emptypackofsmokes · Answer

I root for the hopeless romantic. The Lloyd Dobler's, the Don Juan DeMarco's, the Bob Harris's etc. I can't say that those examples fit the standard hero/villian mold which is why I like them

ChancesAre · Answer

I chose C. I go for anti-heroes. For some reason I relate to troubled men who are conflicted about doing the right or wrong thing and whether or not it's even worth it but still try to do the right thing anyway.

RedSmartie · Answer

I tend to stray from movies and other forms of entertainment with black-and-white good and evil.  It's too boring. I tend to root for the hero, but it's all subjective.

DigitalAcolyte · Answer

It really depends. Quite often the villain is flagged a villain based solely on circumstance rather than truly being villainous. A good story will display the reasoning's behinds the "villains" actions. Unfortunately so called villains in stories and and real life these days, are hidden in a very dim light.

OfAfricandescent · Answer

Sometimes I go for the villain, depends on the situation. Sometimes I think they're just misunderstood.

PonyCar · Answer

C) Whoever I find most entertaining- which is usually neither the hero nor the villain.  It can be, but usually no.

valkillerbaby · Answer

The villain of course. The villain usually has real character and shit unlike the hero who's perfect and has no flaws, yet he cries over a pancake...

whiteknight01 · Answer

The villains are usually more interesting, my favorite villain is the Joker he's funny. The only hero I really like is Batman, I like the Batman universe because it's darker and more interesting.

Telanstus · Answer

villain, simply because the hero winning is so cliche that its not interesting anymore.

mike5150 · Answer

I prefer the villain because there characters have more depth and you pretty much know what to expect from a hero.

ArabianPwincess197 · Answer

I think both - hero and villain - depends on the story

TheReturnofDre · Answer

I guess it depends on the character and how much I resemble them. I think hero role is pretty much played out. My favorite villian is Eddie Brock. My favorite Hero was more or less Al simmons.

Anonymous · Answer

I hate oppression, and I just want to punish the oppressors!

bh6676r942 · Answer

Villains rarely win so most will probably just root for the  hero

JohnnySS · Answer

the hero. in movies the villain. it makes a better story.

Brookeelise · Answer

the villian because the hero always seems to be pretty generic...

Anonymous · Answer

I usually root for the villain, but it also depends on who the villain is for me.

Anonymous · Answer

villain because fuck heroes if I was a villain I would be suicide side man. i don't fight but I would do enough to get damage done to me to be fatally wounded.

Anonymous · Answer

Villains are badass, heroes are so boring and monotonous most of the time.

ladsin · Answer

the villainous hero o.O

bellabionda · Answer

Yeah I'm boring. Woot woot batman. Lol

BondJamesBond · Answer

I usually root for the wild cards.

Masana · Answer

Hero! Batman all the way!

kangaru · Answer

hero -  because they are good people

tiredofwaiting · Answer

It depends on the story but usually hero.

Anonymous · Answer

Villain, because heroes are stupid.

SaltandVinegar · Answer

The villain but it depends on the movie

Anonymous · Answer

villian beacuse it is moe exciting.

CindiluvsFriends · Answer

The hero.

JamielovesKU · Answer

I vote for the heros

Anonymous · Answer

The hero, yo!

Anonymous · Answer

The villain.

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