I generally argue that a large fraction of evil characters shouldn't consider themselves evil.

If I'm the Emperor, maybe I'm conquering the ignorant heathens because I think they don't know what's good for them, and the only way they're going to learn is at the point of a sword. I'm just trying to lift them out of their misery.

If I'm an evil Outlander, maybe I just don't see a line between humans and animals-- they're all animals to me, and I wantonly murder humans to protect my territory or establish myself as someone to be feared rather than enslaved. Maybe I unconsciously project my worldview onto others and assume that if I don't try to murder them, they'll surely try to murder me.

In any event, I don't think most characters should be more aware of their ethos than modern people are. If you're a habitual felon, you probably know that the rule of law doesn't mean much to you, but you don't introduce yourself to people as "I'm Bob, the Chaotic." It usually sounds awkward in 'live' conversation, compared to something like "Travel with Joe Tribunal? I've had too many run-ins with his kind. All their 'system' ever did was screw me over..."

valguarnera@carrionfields.com