LogFAQs > #925261033

Today's trope is Punch Clock Villain. Here is the link: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/PunchClockVillain

Like a mercenary, but with none of the sociopathy.

These are characters who have no real grudge against the heroes, but are simply doing a job for which they are getting paid. After hours, they are totally personable Joes, who go hang out like anyone else. Most Punch-Clock Villains are not even particularly mean. Clear cut cases, will not be bad outside their job as it would undermine the existence of this trope.

The trope used to be an odd plot device, but it has become increasingly frequent due to the popularity of the superhero parody genre, where the supposedly Evil Minions are portrayed as sympathetic employees for unreasonable bosses. In addition, nearly all anime series featuring a comedic villain usually have these type of minions, who are frequently cute characters.

Conversely, if played seriously, the emotional detachment that the Punch-Clock Villain displays when they knowingly contribute to various atrocities can be chilling, and audiences may see them as a monster. Depending on the nature of the story this trope can make a villain either more relatable to an audience or more hateful. If they are employed in a violent capacity, they may be an Apologetic Attacker, or insist that there is Nothing Personal in what they do.

Many Punch-Clock Villains may execute a HeelFace Turn at the very, VERY end of the film, should the Big Bad totally lose it.

TL,DR: These characters only oppose the heroes because it's their job, it's not personal and they aren't malicious otherwise.

Nominations:
Wreck-It Ralph
Sam Sheepdog (Looney Tunes)
Sandman (Spider-Man)