Hans from Frozen is Disney’s most memorable surprise villain. Unlike the previous villains we’ve talked about, who show their intentions openly, Hans hides behind charm and understanding until the moment it benefits him to reveal his true intentions.
In the beginning he’s charming, warm, and exactly what Anna has been longing for. During the celebration of Elsa’s coronation he catches Anna from falling and dances with her. They share desserts, sing a duet, and bond over their family hardships. When Anna decides to go after Elsa, she trusts Hans and leaves him in charge of Arendelle. He proves how dangerous deceptive charm is, because when everyone believes the story he is selling, no one questions his real motives.
What does Hans want?
Hans wants the throne of Arendelle. As the thirteenth in line to the throne in his own kingdom, he has no real chance, so he sets his eyes elsewhere. When he meets Anna, he sees an opportunity. She’s desperate for love, quick to trust, and happens to be the sister of the queen. By charming her, Hans can position himself as her husband. All he would have to do then is get rid of Elsa, and the throne is his.
But he knows it isn’t that simple. He can’t just get rid of Elsa. He has to be accepted by the people of Arendelle and play the part of the hero. That’s why he handed out cloaks and invited people into the castle for warmth. That’s why he steps up to find Elsa when Anna’s horse returns riderless. He’s crafting a narrative where he looks indispensable. To the people he’s quickly becoming the only person who can keep the kingdom together.
Influencer in the Negative
Influencers seek relationships. At their best they bring people together and uplift others with charisma and connection. In the negative, those same qualities are twisted. They don’t rely on intimidation or brute force. They manipulate and seek validation. Hans embodies these traits perfectly. He’s a textbook Influencer in the Negative.
Manipulation:
- At the ice palace, Hans talks Elsa down after Weselton’s men attack. “Don’t be the monster they fear you are.” He uses her fear to frame himself as the calm protector and to paint her power as the problem.
- When Anna asks Hans to save her with a true love’s kiss, he reveals his betrayal with his famous line: “If only there was someone who loved you.” He leaves her to die and tells the other leaders she died in his arms after they exchanged vows. He paints himself as the grieving husband and Elsa as the villain.
Validation-Seeking:
- During the time Hans is in charge of Arendelle he’s confronted by the Duke of Weselton. The Duke suggests Anna is conspiring with Elsa. Hans responds with, “Do not question the princess. She left me in charge, and I will not hesitate to protect Arendelle from treason.”
- The conversation leading up to Hans and Anna’s “Love Is an Open Door” song is spent bonding. He tells her about his brothers, and how much he understands her pain. He makes himself feel seen, understood, and appreciated by making her feel that way.
What Writers Can Learn
Most often, Influencer characters are created, to support the protagonist. They bring people together, inspire loyalty. And remind others they aren’t alone. Think of Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings: Frodo never would have finished his journey if not for Sam’s encouragement and determination to stay by his side.
Hans shows us the flip side of that same coin. His charm, warmth, and ability to make people seen aren’t erased in the negative. They’re twisted. He uses connection to disarm Anna and friendliness to gain the trust of Arendelle’s people.
By studying Hans, writers can see how to flip the positive traits of an Influencer into believable villainy. It’s this duality that makes him such an effective surprise villain and a valuable example for creating compelling conflict.
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