| abstract | - Commander Contrarian doesn't just carry the Conflict Ball, he holds the world hackey-sack record for keeping it aloft. His main purpose in the plot is to naysay and find flaws in the hero's plans so the other can fight physical and social obstacles. They might be legitimate concerns, but are usually spurious. This can be either because Commander Contrarian is Alpha Bitch, jealous of the hero's position (like a good aligned Starscream), a Grumpy Bear, or just a plain ol' Jerkass. His objections can be born of stupidity, pragmatism, or politics, but will almost always be just plain wrong. Even if they aren't, he'll only rarely propose a viable alternate plan of action, and it's almost unheard of for the hero to use it and have it work. If he's persuasive, he'll get the group to split up and go separate ways. Odds are high his group will be monster chow. When especially cliché, he will oppose anything a hero proposes. He'll wail and moan over leaving the refugees or saving the refugees. He'll be adamant about a suicidal charge or be entirely against any military action. As a character type, he's practically Schrodinger's Gun Lobbyist; no matter what the hero advocates, he's against it. Likewise, his morality and Genre Savvy will always be 180 degrees opposite the leader. Usually the complainer in The Complainer Is Always Wrong. This can result in a Doomed Contrarian. Sometimes, however, he's doing this on purpose. This is called a "Devil's Advocate;" the basic idea is that, even though he may actually agree with the plan himself, he wants to make sure out of principle that the leader doesn't do anything he can't clearly defend against criticism, and might have missed something. See also Rebellious Rebel. Hilarity Ensues when Commander Contrarian's companion is Like a Weasel. Contrast with Yes-Man. Compare Sarcastic Devotee. If someone with the literal rank of Commander is actually competent, that's Commanding Coolness. Examples of Commander Contrarian include:
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