I found this post on Twitter, about the toxic stages of a fandom:

1. I love this.
2. I own this.
3. I control this.
4. I can’t control this.
5. I hate this.
6. I must destroy this.

But I believe all Final Fantasy villains, exhibit these stages in their character development:

I love this.

All Final Fantasy villains initially love something about the world. But hatred consumes them, so they express their love in a misguided way. Emperor Mateus loved the world before him, but more so because he loved himself. In a sense, his love for the world was a projection of himself; his control of the world extended to his possessive and controlling nature. Zeromus also loved the world. He wanted to secure the existence of the Lunerians, and found a way through the Blue Planet. Kefka loved nothing but fun in chaos, and saw the world as his playground. Seymour loved Spira, and Vayne loved Dalmasca.

I own this.

Each villain exhibits a sense of entitlement towards the world. Emperor Mateus already believed he owned the world. Sephiroth believed he was of the chosen race, and the rightful heir to the world. Ultimecia wanted to own the world to become a living god. Vayne wanted to reclaim the reigns of mankind, and the Fal’Cie believed they could own humanity.

I control this.

What villain didn’t think they were in control? Well, besides Kefka; he was never in control, which was why he found himself in a position of near ultimate power. Otherwise, every villain tried to control the situation to their advantage. Garland and Ultimecia tried to control time, whereas villains like the Emperor and Vayne tried to control the world. Zeromus, Sephiroth, Ultimecia and Ardyn tried to control events through people. Cloud of Darkness and Exdeath tried to control the Void.

I can’t control this.

None of the villains were actually in control. Besides our heroes defeating them, every villain had a problem with their plan. Zeromus could not control Golbez or Kain. Exdeath couldn’t control the Void. Kefka had control but found it meaningless. Sephiroth could not control the Holy or even Cloud who had Jenova Cells. Ultimecia could control time, but not her destiny. Kuja couldn’t control his lifespan. Vayne planned everything down to the last detail…but couldn’t account for the will and drive of others. And the Fal’Cie couldn’t control the fates of others.

I hate this.

Every Final Fantasy villain shows their true nature: to hate. Kefka most notably hated everyone:

Kefka: You… vicious brat! Grrr… Aargh… I hate hate hate hate hate hate… hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate HATE YOU! Grrr…

Kuja’s hate took the form of narcissistic disdain for others. But knowing that he had a limited lifespan, like the rest of us mortal, made him hate. Ardyn hated humanity, and the line of Lucis so much he wanted the complete torture of the bloodline.

I must destroy this.

Every Final Fantasy villain destroys, through the Void. At some point, after they lose control, they figure it’s best to just destroy everything. Why? To mask their failures. Or because they’re crazy. But none of them want the world to continue without them in charge.

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Some Final Fantasy villains display more traits in these stages than others.

What do you think?