Is Syndrome or Mrs. Incredible the Villain in The Incredibles?

Disney and Pixar's animated classic The Incredibles has a wide array of characters, from the heroic to the villainous. Among them are two notable villains: Syndrome and Mrs. Incredible. While both characters are antagonists, they serve different purposes and employ distinct strategies in their schemes. In this article, we will delve into their characters, motivations, and actions to determine whether Syndrome or Mrs. Incredible is the true baddie in The Incredibles.

Syndrome: The Arrogant and Ambitious Antagonist

Syndrome, whose real name is Buddy Pine, is introduced as Mr. Incredible's one-time biggest fan. He aspired to be a sidekick to his idol and saw Mr. Incredible as the benchmark for all superheroes. However, when Mr. Incredible coldly rejected his offer, Syndrome's feelings of rejection transformed into intense resentment. His bitterness led to the rise of Syndrome, the main antagonist of the film, who built a career on achieving what he believed Mr. Incredible had proven impossible to attain.

Throughout the film, Syndrome's character is marked by his arrogance and ambition. His modus operandi involves reinventing himself multiple times, attempting to start anew with each failed attempt. His central goal is to be the first and greatest hero, a feat that he believes is unattainable for Mr. Incredible.

Mrs. Incredible: The Evil Within the Family

Mrs. Incredible, also known as Evelyn Deavor, is a complex antagonist in her own right. Unlike Syndrome, who is an external threat, Mrs. Incredible's villainy arises from within the family of heroes. Her actions are driven by her desire to regain her former social status and reclaim the household as a place of power and superiority. Mrs. Incredible's transformation from a loving, supportive wife and mother to a power-hungry and manipulative figure reflects a different kind of villainy - one rooted in personal ambition and the dynamics of family and power.

At the beginning of the film, Mrs. Incredible is a figure of compassion and support, a loving wife and mother who genuinely cares about her family and their well-being. However, as the film progresses, her actions become increasingly manipulative and controlling. She employs psychological tactics, such as guilt and filial loyalty, to bend her family's will to her plans. Her ultimate agenda is to reclaim her family and establish herself as a force to be reckoned with in the city of Syndrome, elevating herself to a position of authority and her children to a notable status in her shadow.

Comparing the Villains: A Deeper Dive

While both Syndrome and Mrs. Incredible share the mantle of villain, their motivations, tactics, and impacts on the film are distinct. Syndrome's villainy is external and motivated by a single-minded desire to surpass Mr. Incredible, while Mrs. Incredible's actions are internal, rooted in personal ambition and resentment over perceived social status.

Syndrome's activities often involve combating the real heroes of the film. His plans and schemes are targeted at Mr. Incredible and the rest of the Parr family, with a specific focus on the latter. His power lies in his technological achievements and his ability to outwit the Parr family. On the other hand, Mrs. Incredible's impact is more subtle but no less damaging. Her motive is to establish a household hierarchy and achieve super-stature through her family's recognition. Her tools are emotional manipulation and psychological warfare, directed at Manipulo and Violet in particular.

Conclusion: Debating the True Villain in The Incredibles

Ultimately, the question of whether Syndrome or Mrs. Incredible is the true villain in The Incredibles comes down to one's perspective. Both characters embody villainy in unique ways and contribute significantly to the narrative. Syndrome's role as an external antagonist challenges the Parr family and represents a direct and tangible threat. Mrs. Incredible's character, on the other hand, challenges the very fabric of the family and the dynamics of power within it.

While both characters are memorable and integral to the story's arc, Syndrome's more overt and consequential villainy may make him the more canonical villain. However, the film's exploration of family dynamics and corporate espionage through Mrs. Incredible's character makes her a nuanced and compelling villain in her own right. Both characters serve the narrative in vital ways, each embodying a different aspect of villainy and adding to the richness of The Incredibles' compelling world and plot.

Regardless of who you side with in the debate, what remains undeniable is the brilliant storytelling of The Incredibles, seamlessly weaving together multiple layers of conflict and characters to create a timeless and beloved animated masterpiece.