The Mad Scientist Archetype
The characterization and personality of
the Mad Scientist
The Mad Scientist
In a nutshell:
 Extremely intelligent with a
wide range of knowledge
 May be accidental victims; a
form of tragedy
 Blinded by quest for
knowledge, achievement, and
fame
 Pushes boundaries of human
potential through radical
means
 Arrogant; suffers from a “God
complex”
 Lack of social skills; recluses
 Fails to respect wisdom
Evolution of the Mad Scientist

Originates from ancient times as shamans,
witches, witch doctors, etc.

These characters attempt to combine
elements of Nature and the supernatural with
human physiology.

Has grown from:
Mysticism => Alchemy => Technology

What stories can you think of that deal with
these characters?
Intelligence and Exploration

The Mad Scientist possesses an enormous amount
knowledge and “book smarts”

With this knowledge they believe they have found a
new or better way the world can exist

The Mad Scientist is trying to reach mankind’s fullest
potential with the help of external (supernatural or
unnatural) forces.

In their quest for advancement they find potential
answers in what society declares as “forbidden
knowledge” or quick fixes to timeless problems
God complex

What is it?


A perverse, narcissistic reaction to reaching a high level of intelligence
combined with a vast amount of knowledge.
How does it happen?

Considering oneself intellectually and morally superior over others which
enables one to make judgments about the creation, the existence, and the
termination of another’s life.


“I know what’s best!”
What does this look like?

Attempting “forbidden” experiments, as in meddling in circles that should be
beyond mortal understanding.

Just think of Jurassic Park


“[The Scientists] were too busy thinking whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to
think whether or not they should!”
In ancient Greek terms, this is a form of HUBRIS (supreme
arrogance), and is a flaw endowed in all Mad Scientists.

Creation/Destruction are often abilities empowered to the gods.

Does mankind deserve to have these powers as well?
No Time for Wisdom

The Mad scientist achieves his knowledge so quickly that he/she
fails to truly understand the power they now possess.

Because the Mad Scientist is so driven to accomplish his/her
task as fast as possible, there is no time for the character to grow
and mature with the new power.
 Think of it like giving a gun to a child. You can teach a child how
to hold a gun, clean and maintain it, fire, and proper safety;
however, a child is still not mature enough to respect the real
power of what it is they are holding. The Mad Scientist is the
same way. He/she is unaware of the depths of the power he/she
is now in control of.

As a result, the character fails to understand all the ramifications
of his/her actions and is caught off guard by (what should be) an
obvious consequence.
Elements of tragedy

Often the mad scientist acts out of sympathy, a
desire to help others, or to undo a previous mistake.

“The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

However, since he/she is solely consumed with
thoughts of success, he/she fail to realize the
consequences of their experiment until it is too late.

As a result they are completely powerless to stop
the aftermath of their actions which in turn leads to
their own downfall.

Most often contains a moment (epiphany) when the
mad scientist realizes his/her mistake.

“What have I done?!”
Science in today's world

This idea of science going too far, too fast is
still an argument that continues in today’s
world. For example, the debate of cloning
and the creation of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.)
deal with the same issues.

Do you think mankind is ready for the
responsibility of creating a new life form?
Do you think mankind has earned the right to
create a new life form?
