While fictional antagonists’ methods may help them achieve short-term success, the characteristics that made them successful only lead to their downfall. In The Lion King, Scar’s persuasive rhetoric, unwavering dedication to his goals, and unflinching confidence make him an effective leader of the hyenas, but his Machiavellian maneuverings ruin him.
Scar beguiles the ostracized hyenas with promises of a place in the Pridelands if they help him attain the throne. His honeyed words and subtle threats successfully convince the hyenas, but when they find out Scar was only using them as pawns to further his own ends, they kill him.
Scar’s dedication to his goal even after his first plan to kill Simba fails, inspires the hyenas to continue helping