Who is the most evil character in the Dresdenverse?

[Snark Knight]

Personally, I like the Granny Weatherwax definition of evil - treating other people as things. All the rest of evil flows from that.

Nicodemus is probably the worst of the appeared-on-page human characters. Shagnasty is more sadistic than indifferent, but he has less of a choice about it than a free-willed human.

Kemmler was probably just as bad as Nicodemus back in his day, too. Possibly even worse, but the brief glimpse in Fistful of Warlocks isn't enough to be sure.

[wardenferry419]

All human lives, or just some? If it’s just some, then I’m reminded of things like drone bombing areas in the middle east where innocent men, women and children are blown to bits on a regular basis, the fire bombing Dresden (the city) and so on. Warfare is full of purposeful civilian deaths. Are those things evil? Does glee have to be involved? Is disregard and dehumanising not enough?

And, only humans? What if someone had disregard for dogs and just went around killing them as much as possible? How about someone who make fearie skin sofas to sit on while drinking champagne from the tiny skulls? Are they evil? How about a person who enjoys killing animals at a slaughterhouse, or do we become utilitarian here because it’s approved?

Not trying to be difficult here, but the term “evil” gets used a lot and I never really know what it means to the person who used it as it’s not describing objective reality, but rather a perspective and everyone has a different perspective (even the same person has different perspectives from moment to moment depending on any number of variables).

To answer the question based on this definition, though, I’m not sure we can give a real assessment. The book is first person and limited to only what Dresden thinks others are thinking. If I were to guess which Dresden thinks is the worst, then I’d say the genoskwa or whatever it was called based on his reactions to and feelings about it.

Objectively, I still think the outsiders are the obvious choice for the most potential to be harmful with Dresden a possible second (depending on this “starborn” thingie).

If how I define evil is uncertain to you; then tell how you define the word evil, please.

[wardenferry419]

:j I said, essentially, the same thing in a different thread a few weeks ago. While a dramatic thing to say, someone who would do something like that is the opposite of what civilisations need.

I am not bothered by someone who would do whatever they deem necessary for family. No idea, belief, or thought has that value as far as I am concern, But my family over the rest of humanity is a non-decision.

[Argonometra]

Morgan.

[the neurovore of Zur-En-Aargh]

I am not bothered by someone who would do whatever they deem necessary for family. No idea, belief, or thought has that value as far as I am concern, But my family over the rest of humanity is a non-decision.

Do you see how as a member of the rest of humanity I might find that less than entirely positive ?

If I went to the lengths of collateral damage to other people Harry has to protect his family, the least my family would do in reaction is disown me, because causing collateral damage to other people is evil.

[wardenferry419]

Do you see how as a member of the rest of humanity I might find that less than entirely positive ?

If I went to the lengths of collateral damage to other people Harry has to protect his family, the least my family would do in reaction is disown me, because causing collateral damage to other people is evil.

While I understand the logic of your post and I fully expect my family not to accept the extreme measures I would go for their safety. I would probably still go forward with my actions. Fortunately, I don't have wizard powers or find myself in such a difficult position. 

[Arjan]

While I understand the logic of your post and I fully expect my family not to accept the extreme measures I would go for their safety. I would probably still go forward with my actions. Fortunately, I don't have wizard powers or find myself in such a difficult position. 

Trolly problems. 

https://youtu.be/-N_RZJUAQY4

[wardenferry419]

I am not as illogical as a 2 year old. Maybe as illogical as a teenager, that could be possible.

[groinkick]

While I understand the logic of your post and I fully expect my family not to accept the extreme measures I would go for their safety. I would probably still go forward with my actions. Fortunately, I don't have wizard powers or find myself in such a difficult position. 

[groinkick]

Nicodemus.

[Arjan]

I am not as illogical as a 2 year old. Maybe as illogical as a teenager, that could be possible.

You could see this as rebellion against artificial moral dilemma’s in the first place. The trolly problems are interesting because they test human moral instincts. Humans have them because they are a herd animal or at least they originally lived in small groups that needed to cooperate.

But that instinct does not always provide the same answer as logic would, just look at the different forms of this dilemma and examine your own feelings, and your actions are not only motivated by your moral instincts but also by the need to protect those closest to you more than those you do not know. If there is a good friend on one track and three unknown persons on the other...

[groinkick]

Humans have them because they are a herd animal or at least they originally lived in small groups that needed to cooperate.

I keep typing, and deleting because I cannot answer without going into touchy topic stuff...  Very frustrating sometimes lol

[wardenferry419]

Yes, let's get back to comparing evil fictional characters and forego examining the evil in ourselves. Much more civil and safe.

[Kindler]

How about Malvora and Skavis (both entire Houses)? Delighting and feeding on despair and terror is pretty messed up, especially when there are other options—Madrigal changes his tastes, though it's considered really odd to do so.

[wardenferry419]

I am thinking Shagnasty was so evil that it nearly drove Harry mad seeing it's true nature.