The villain in a fictional story is usually motivated by greed, for money or power or both. In horror films, they can be motivated by revenge or inhuman instincts. But with the rise of science fiction over the last 200 years, the addition of science to the mix created the character of the mad scientist. Not only does he have a thirst for power, he also has the education and the creativity to make it happen ...with science! Scientists with no moral inhibitions can produce horrors this world cannot imagine, which makes for a great story.
Dr. Frankenstein, Dr. Moreau, Dr. Caligari, Dr. No, Dr. Seth Brundle, Dr. John Hammond, they all wanted to "play God" in one way or another, with no regard for the consequences. What could be scarier? And is it any wonder that this archetype returns again and again? But over time, the projects these mad scientists carry out have become more and more plausible, in a reflection of what real scientists have developed. This only makes them scarier, as we can see how our world can fall victim of a highly intelligent yet unethical force. Atlas Obscura looks at the mad scientist and how the character has evolved over time.