Characteristics
The mad scientist is a literary character whose intellect is inarguable. However, intelligence alone does not make the mad scientist. Innovation and creativity set this character apart from others gifted with brains. The scientist has the unique ability to invent or modify his surroundings. He is normally obsessed with his work, testing and experimenting at all times of the day all year long. Great lengths he will go to prove his hypothesis and to change the way the public views of life and nature. He seeks to find answers to every question that life itself cannot answer. Often this character will become an outcast, an oddity, a freak.
These characteristics though don’t accurately describe the mad scientist. There’s a certain level of insanity that’s present with the true mad scientist. The mad scientist is odd enough even without his mental state being questioned and it is not uncommon for people to find it hard to relate to him or understand his latest theories. Or perhaps, they don’t wish to understand. The mad scientist will cross any line in pursuit of knowledge, including social and moral boundaries. Biological studies test the ethical policies of society and mechanical inventions test people’s willingness to change. The mad scientists may even demonstrate a near hysteric or manic personality when it comes to his work. Some may see this as passion, others as mental instability.
Often this character is portrayed as socially and physically inept with a nerdy appearance (e.g. messy hair, big head, huge glasses). The scientist is dedicated to his work and is almost always found in his lab coat and goggles. His work is his life. Test tubes, lab rats, and left over machine parts clutter his office and altogether control his life. Has there ever been a scientist depicted as the handsome young man that women swoon over? His unruly appearance and obsession with his work on top of his questionable mental state make the mad scientist a monster character. His experiments and creations are appalling and grotesque which in one word is monstrous.
These characteristics though don’t accurately describe the mad scientist. There’s a certain level of insanity that’s present with the true mad scientist. The mad scientist is odd enough even without his mental state being questioned and it is not uncommon for people to find it hard to relate to him or understand his latest theories. Or perhaps, they don’t wish to understand. The mad scientist will cross any line in pursuit of knowledge, including social and moral boundaries. Biological studies test the ethical policies of society and mechanical inventions test people’s willingness to change. The mad scientists may even demonstrate a near hysteric or manic personality when it comes to his work. Some may see this as passion, others as mental instability.
Often this character is portrayed as socially and physically inept with a nerdy appearance (e.g. messy hair, big head, huge glasses). The scientist is dedicated to his work and is almost always found in his lab coat and goggles. His work is his life. Test tubes, lab rats, and left over machine parts clutter his office and altogether control his life. Has there ever been a scientist depicted as the handsome young man that women swoon over? His unruly appearance and obsession with his work on top of his questionable mental state make the mad scientist a monster character. His experiments and creations are appalling and grotesque which in one word is monstrous.