In mythology, the term “Satan” is defined as the ruler of the underworld. In literature, however, this title is associated with “the opponent”, or the arch-rebel. This name comes from the corrupt hero Satan in Milton's Paradise Lost. Interestingly, Satan is not entirely portrayed as demonic and loathsome. On the contrary, he is able to deliver exhilarating speeches, elicit pity from the audience, and even demonstrate certain virtues normally associated with a tragic hero. However, Milton is not the only one to use such a figure in his writings. Shakespeare also uses the "satanic hero model" in many of his tragedies. A famous example can be seen in Richard III, where he characterizes Richard as a "diabolical incarnation of evil" and a "satanic usurper" (Pearlman, 1), who nevertheless possesses heroic traits. Richard is an intelligent and inspiring speaker as well as a courageous and daring warrior. Despite these conventional heroic traits, Richard is portrayed as a true satanic hero through his corruption of what society considers sacred: love, religion, loyalty, and ultimately himself. Similar to Satan, Richard longs to exploit that which he is prevented from, such as romantic love and marriage. He is deprived of these privileges because of her distorted appearance, and for this reason he seeks to demoralize and defile her. William C. Carroll makes the same observation in his essay: "The natural form and order of marriage and birth then represent to Richard what is denied him, what he desires, and what he must violate (2 ). » Richard's attack on love is fierce and vengeful. This is evident before wooing Anne, when he states, "What if I had killed her husband and her father?" / The easiest way to make amends to the girl / Is to become her h...... middle of paper ......es an immoral spirit. Works CitedCarroll, William C. “'The Form of the Law': Ritual and Succession in Richard III. » Stories of Shakespeare (Bloom's leading playwrights). Ed. Harold Bloom, Broomall, PA: Chelsea House, 2000. 24-28. Pearlman, E. “The Invention of Richard Gloucester.” Stories of Shakespeare (Bloom's major dramatists). Ed. Harold Bloom, Broomall, Pennsylvania: Chelsea House, 2000. 28-30. Schlegel, August Wilhelm. “Drama and literature conferences.” Stories of Shakespeare (Bloom's leading playwrights). Ed. Harold Bloom, Broomall, Pennsylvania: Chelsea House, 2000. 19-21.Shakespeare, William. King Richard III. Ed. Pat Baldwin and Tom Baldwin. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2005. Young, Bruce W. “Ritual as Grace: Parental Blessings in Richard III.” Stories of Shakespeare (Bloom's leading playwrights). Ed. Harold Bloom, Broomall, Pennsylvania: Chelsea House, 2000. 21-23.