1. The Mad Scientist Archetype The characterization and personality of the Mad Scientist

2. 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

3. 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?

4. 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

5. 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?

6. 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.

7. 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?!”

8. 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?