While watching Series One Ep.3 of Sherlock, a thought came to me. Was Moriarty the first villain ,or turned into, that is the opposite of the main character. I’m not sure if I’m making sense but look how in many modern works in books or live action. A main character will have a enemy that is their archenemy. You can’t have Batman without the Joker. You can’t have Superman without Lex Luthor. You can’t have Sherlock Holmes without Moriarty. They are so intertwined that it’s impossible not to include in some shape or form if being adapted.
But it’s not they are just enemies, I mean main characters will have countless enemies. But it’s something about “the Moriarty to my (blank)”. The opposite of the MC that works. I can’t even describe it because in my head it makes sense.
If I’m making any sense to you. Then where does this come from? Heroes have always had their villain to defeat but idk it’s something different when you have someone who’s the opposite of you. That’s just not evil.
edit : I think the proper name would be the archenemy. someone who you can’t help but associate with the main character. they are that central to the MC. If someone asks you to name things related to Batman to a stranger sooner or later they will mention Joker. It’s that important you can’t have one without the other.
by GaelG721