8 Greatest Modern-Day Machiavellian Characters

Characters from stage, television and film have become increasingly calculative in nature. From Lord Varys (Game of Thrones), Gustavo Fring (Breaking Bad) and even Macbeth (uh... Macbeth), these individuals are manipulative and diabolical in equal measures, and unhinged in pursuit of their goals - displaying the principle traits of what has become known as 'machiavellianism'.

Charisma, ambition, strategic, mastering the art of manipulation, learning how to obtain secretive information, disguising one's true motives, the absolute abandonment of morality, and the use of sexuality as a forceful weapon continue to define some of the most interesting characters of modern pop-culture. Characters of this nature are justifiably described as 'machiavellian'.

It's a literary concept that's almost 500 years old. As renaissance Italy was an era of political and religious struggle, the diplomat Niccolo Machiavelli was compelled to write 'The Prince' for his contemporaries, and their unenviable task of governance. Whilst discussing in depth the necessities of State and military capability, Machiavelli recommends this specific characterisation pertaining to rulers, specifically how these personal choices and qualities can be leveraged to assume and maintain power. 

Throughout the ages, 'The Prince's' influence has transcended politics, philosophy and psychology, and certainly, the psychological profile of the 'machiavel' produces some startling traits - which has inspired generations of writers of literature, screen and stage to create incredible characters. 

In George R. R. Martin's fantasy epic, Westeros has become increasingly characterised by dynastic power struggles between powerful families, providing a literary hotbed for careful politicking. Amongst the expansive cast, one character prevails as most calculative, strategic and sinister - Lord Petyr Baelish.

A machiavel in the classic mould, using political manoeuvring, a network of information and financial talents to accumulate power from a position of insignificance. Lord Baelish is unprincipled and unhinged in his potential; although, like most machiavels, he abides by his own sinister code of principles.

Lord Baelish reiterates that "knowledge is power". Throughout A Song Of Ice And Fire, this penchant for knowledge and secrets provides the leverage Lord Baelish requires to manoeuvre adversaries. He learned from a young age that he may never possess the physical might of the traditional Westerosi warrior, thus sought to accumulate power through different means. 

"Know your strengths, use them wisely, and one man can become ten thousand."  - Lord Baelish, 'Game Of Thrones' (TV)

Essential to Lord Baelish's ambition is his exploitation of opportunity, what can be referred to as the 'ladder of chaos', navigating the opportunities posed by war, alliances and death. Adopting the core principle of machiavellianism - to maintain power at all costs - Lord Baelish demonstrates a willingness to dispatch employees, co-conspirators and even Kings if it serves his ultimate purpose.