Charismatic Antagonists

A Charismatic Antagonist is a very common type of antagonist that goes further than a master manipulator or orator, further than a liar. They don't only make people believe in their lies, they actually get others to trust them, or even like them.

Usually, these antagonists first appear to be protagonists or at least sympathic to the main protagonist (and thus to the audience) until their true nature is revealed, like Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear and Hans, and others make the audience know that they are obviously lying, but the protagonist doesn't, such as Scar and Chester V.

They should not be mixed with Sophisticated Antagonists or Guile Antagonists who are openly antagonistic, but still have good manners and style. Charismatic Antagonists are wolves disguised as sheep. They fake friendship, and sometimes love, to get what they want. They are also well known for being capable of rounding up a great deal of followers due to their charisma.

They can be very disturbing characters, because they are first perceived as engaging and sympathic, and so the protagonists (and also the audience) is often shocked to discover they were lying all along. They are such good actors that it is sometime very hard to figure out how they truly feel about people they lie to, whether they are geniuely friendly or not. A antagonist can also qualify as having charisma if they are admired by their followers or have fans, regardless of what the protagonists and audience think of them.