8 Greatest Modern-Day Machiavellian Characters

Disney are infamous for layering their work with strange messages, and the politics of Pride Rock prove no different.

Scar, as second in line to his brother's throne, is discontent at the system of inheritance that prevails over Pride Rock - where Simba will rise to the seat of power in his stead. Much like many of the characters on this list, Scar is someone who is disfavoured by the current political system, despite his clear intelligence and forward-thinking nature. If we abandon the moral simplicity of Disney's narrative, what Scar actually desires is a meritocracy, where the most able prevail over strength and blood-line (ring any bells Lord Baelish?).

To this end, Scar expresses no qualms over displacing his brother and nephew to inherit Pride Rock. He further demonstrates the necessary political skill to pacify the discontent factions who may oppose his ascension (namely, the lionesses).

Like many machiavels, Scar resents the conservative traditions that prevent the smartest, most capable from rising to power. Although sinister and frightening in character, the nature of such goals are often very progressive and mirror modern-day ideals.

Unfortunately, however, Scar's reign was more or less thwarted by, what Machiavelli termed, an “extreme and extraordinary malignity of fortune" (some tough luck!), in the form of a drought - which crippled the economy and encouraged insurrection. Who knows how Scar's reign may have transpired?