Power Always Corrupts

What it is

Gaining power — political, magical, technological, or financial — inevitably warps even the noblest people. Power is an inherently corrupting force.

How to spot it

The plot contains ALL of: (1) a character who acquires or holds significant power, (2) the power changes them for the worse, (3) a visible progression from idealist or good person to morally compromised or tyrannical.

• A character begins with good intentions but is gradually corrupted
• An object or position of power tempts and transforms its holder
• Other characters notice and warn about the change
• The corrupted character rationalizes increasingly extreme actions
• Loss of power or its destruction is framed as liberation

Classic examples

The One Ring in Lord of the Rings, the Iron Throne in Game of Thrones, Anakin's turn in Star Wars, Walter White in Breaking Bad, Gollum