Portrayal of the villainess: Color representation as a narrativity agent in villainess character design

This thesis examines how color functions as a narrative element in the visual characterization of the villainess and conducts a comparative semiotic analysis of traditional and non-traditional portrayals of villainesses. It focuses on how the color palettes shape character identity, ideological context, and narrative positioning. These analyses were conducted on classic characters, such as the Evil Queen, Maleficent, and Ursula, as well as non-traditional examples, including Nui Harime, Emma Frost, and Ericka Van Helsing. Roland Barthes' semiotic approach was adopted as a method, highlighting aspects unique to character design. The results of this evaluation are as follows: it was determined that traditional villainesses were generally constructed in a canonized character scheme, associated with symbolic and ostentatious places that indicate power. They were generally illustrated with grotesque companions and also displayed demonic visuals. In non-traditional character representations, changes in the assigned symbols were observed along with the color palettes. The subversive and ironic aesthetic structure of non-traditional villainesses questions traditional morality through color schemes. This change indicates that the role of villainesses in the narrative has evolved from being a threat that needs to be destroyed to figures constructed on ideological beliefs that offer a critical perspective to the audience. The villainess character type has moved beyond the stereotypical plane through the use of color palette and has become a narratively functional element. As a result, color palettes are positioned not only as an aesthetic choice but also as a narrative and critical tool in the transformation of the villainess character typology.