History Main / KnightTemplar

* The song "Joan" by HeatherDale portrays JoanOfArc like this.

Usually, the Knight Templar's primary step (or objective) to their perceived "{{utopia|JustifiesTheMeans}}" is to [[TheEvilsOfFreeWill get rid of that pesky "free will" thing that is the cause of crime and evil]]. Many Knight Templar types are [[PayEvilUntoEvil utterly merciless]] in dealing with those whom they consider evil, and are prone to [[AllCrimesAreEqual consider all crimes to be equal]], sometimes down to down to [[{{Jerkass}} being mean]]. The lightest offences, such as [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking jaywalking]], are met with [[DisproportionateRetribution Draconian punishments such as full imprisonment, death, brainwashing, or torture]]. In some cases, even [[ThoughtCrime thinking about it can get you in trouble]], as can [[PunishedForSympathy showing mercy or pity for a "wrongdoer" in front of them]]. Some are prone to the BreakingSpeech and/or MotiveRant about how the heroes going up against them are evil and they themselves the good guys, often in an attempt to win the heroes over to their side.

Compare/contrast KnightErrant. Contrast GoodIsNotNice for when a character is genuinely on the side of good but may rub other characters or the audience the wrong way. ''Not'' related to BloodKnight or BlackKnight.

Another thing to keep in mind is that while Knights Templar will insist that they're good guys, even though they're practically villains, they often aren't completely ignorant of the pain they cause; they simply consider it to be acceptable collateral damage, or regret the means they "must" use to achieve their ends. And despite their ruthlessness, [[EvenEvilHasStandards they have lines that they refuse to cross]]. If the Knight Templar fails to see ''any'' wrong in their actions, then you're dealing with a variant known as the TautologicalTemplar, who is so convinced that they're doing the right thing that they can't even fathom the idea that anything they do might be questionable or hurting others. It can get to the point where their rebuttal to anyone that tries to [[WhatTheHellHero call them out]] will basically amount to [[InsaneTrollLogic "My actions are good because I]] '''[[InsaneTrollLogic KNOW]]''' [[InsaneTrollLogic I am good and can't possibly be bad, and furthermore, you oppose me because you're bad!"]]

Sometimes, the [[LightIsGood Forces of Light and Goodness]] become [[TheUnfettered too]] [[GoneHorriblyRight hardcore]]. In a deadly combination of WellIntentionedExtremist, TheFundamentalist, MoralGuardians, and sometimes HeWhoFightsMonsters and/or BlindObedience, [[BlackAndWhiteInsanity they get blinded by]] [[VisionaryVillain themselves and their ideals]] and will do anything for them regardless of the effects on themselves or others. It's not the Forces of Darkness' fault, but they are laughing their asses off and [[NotSoDifferent taking a great deal of satisfaction that they were]] ''[[JerkassHasAPoint right]]''. It's basically TheMole version of HeroAntagonist. Seldom are Knights Templar explicitly evil from the beginning. Many an AntiHero will start by [[PayEvilUntoEvil Paying Evil Unto Evil]], and when they're not busting ass, are perfectly decent people. They may even overlook small fallacies and be classed on the good guy roster. These guys are often concerned that they run the risk of falling into HeWhoFightsMonsters and become this trope.

Another thing to keep in mind is that while Knights Templar will insist that they're good guys, even though they're practically villains, they often aren't completely ignorant of the pain they cause; they simply consider it to be acceptable collateral damage, or regret the means they "must" use to achieve their ends. And despite their ruthlessness, [[EvenEvilHasStandards they have lines that they refuse to cross]]. If the Knight Templar fails to see ''any'' wrong in their actions, then you're dealing with a variant known as the TautologicalTemplar, who is so convinced that they're doing the right thing that they can't even fathom the idea that anything they do might be questionable or hurting others. It can get to the point where their rebuttal to anyone that tries to [[WhatTheHellHero call them out]] will basically amount to [[InsaneTrollLogic "My actions are good because I]] '''[[InsaneTrollLogic KNOW]]''' [[InsaneTrollLogic I am good and can't possibly be bad!"]]

Usually, the Knight Templar's primary step (or objective) to their perceived "{{utopia|JustifiesTheMeans}}" is to [[TheEvilsOfFreeWill get rid of that pesky "free will" thing that is the cause of crime and evil]]. Many Knight Templar types are [[PayEvilUntoEvil utterly merciless]] in dealing with those whom they consider evil, and are prone to [[AllCrimesAreEqual consider all crimes to be equal]], sometimes down to down to [[{{Jerkass}} being mean]]. The lightest offences, such as [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking jaywalking]], are met with [[DisproportionateRetribution Draconian punishments such as full imprisonment or death, brainwashing]]. In some cases, even [[ThoughtCrime thinking about it can get you in trouble]], as can [[PunishedForSympathy showing mercy or pity for a "wrongdoer" in front of them]]. Some are prone to the BreakingSpeech and/or MotiveRant about how the heroes going up against them are evil and they themselves the good guys, often in an attempt to win the heroes over to their side.

It's important to note that despite being villains/villain''ous'' within the context of the story, Knights Templar believe fully that they are on the side of righteousness, that their opponents are not [[TheFettered and draw strength from that]]. Trying to reason with one seldom works, because many Knight Templar types believe that [[WithUsOrAgainstUs if you're not with them, you're against them]]. Invoking actual goodness and decency against them is often equally ineffective, save for making Knights Templar [[{{Demonization}} demonize]] your cause as evil. Indeed, it may take them a while to [[EvilCannotComprehendGood realize that a person with sense and good will really opposes them]]. One of the more effective ways to change a Knight Templar's mind is to, frankly, kick their ass down to the ground. This is because some think MightMakesRight, and that since they are good they only kill the evil, so if you beat them but don't kill them, you are good too. They won't necessarily join you, but with a little luck defeating them will make them pause long enough to listen and they may rethink their course -- unless, of course, they conclude they're still ''inherently'' superior, and that you only beat them because you used something evil/cheated.

The Knight Templar can be (but isn't always) the ultimate incarnation of LightIsNotGood. In series where DarkIsNotEvil, they tend to be the villain who believes that the "dark" characters are evil and must be destroyed. If a Knight Templar [[VillainProtagonist is]] ''[[VillainProtagonist not]]'' [[VillainProtagonist the antagonist of the story]], expect to see WhatTheHellHero and/or NotSoDifferent come into play at least once or sometimes they'll be a HateSink. If not, then they are a DesignatedHero. If they are still nominally good, expect them to be a HeroAntagonist.

Another thing to keep in mind is that while Knights Templar will insist that they're good guys, even though they're practically villains, they often aren't completely ignorant of the pain they cause; they simply consider it to be acceptable collateral damage. And despite their ruthlessness, [[EvenEvilHasStandards they have lines that they refuse to cross]]. If the Knight Templar fails to see ''any'' wrong in their actions, then you're dealing with a variant known as the TautologicalTemplar who is so convinced that they're doing the right thing that they can't even fathom the idea that anything they do might be questionable or hurting others. It can get to the point where their rebuttal to anyone that tries to [[WhatTheHellHero call them out]] will basically amount to [[InsaneTrollLogic "My actions are good because I]] '''[[InsaneTrollLogic KNOW]]''' [[InsaneTrollLogic I am good and can't possibly be bad!"]]

Given the real-life trope namers (see below) were a religious organization, many Knights Templar can be found in the ranks of the CorruptChurch, the ChurchMilitant, or the PathOfInspiration. In these cases, expect them to be screaming that they are HolierThanThou and we should all "{{Burn|TheWitch}} TheHeretic!". Even a SaintlyChurch can have one of these as a {{foil}} for the {{Good Shepherd}}s. Some stories go as far to portray the deity/deities they worship as this.

A Knight Templar in a fantasy setting is usually a PrinciplesZealot, religious or otherwise. In a modern or Sci-Fi setting, the Knight Templar is also just as likely to be a TotalitarianUtilitarian. In either case, they're likely to be a bigot who hardly qualifies as {{noble|Bigot}}, but might be {{troubled|SympatheticBigot}} by their own BlackAndWhiteInsanity. Sometimes, the Knight Templar is [[TheComputerIsYourFriend an artificially intelligent computer]] that took its instructions to "protect humanity" [[ZerothLawRebellion a bit too far]]. Many Templars are LawfulNeutral or LawfulEvil, but the most egomaniacal and self-centered ones are NeutralEvil (though they'll never admit it), and the AnimalWrongsGroup version is ChaoticEvil. Blind devotion to AllCrimesAreEqual without religious zealotry falls under LawfulStupid.

See also KnightTemplarParent, KnightTemplarBigBrother, and LawfulEvil. Those who will ''really'' do anything for their beliefs count among TheUnfettered. A mild, comedic version is the LordErrorProne. Contrast with CardCarryingVillain -- a villain who is fully aware of their evil nature and proudly embraces it. A Knight Templar can become this if they have a HeelRealization and [[IgnoredEpiphany decides to keep being a villain anyway]]. Alternatively, they might turn NecessarilyEvil. Compare and contrast with the KnightInSourArmor, who is what happens when a LawfulGood character [[ToBeLawfulOrGood chooses to err]] on the side of Good instead of erring towards Law.

Not to be confused with TropeNamer UsefulNotes/TheKnightsTemplar, who varied between fitting and defying this trope and were founded with the noble intention of protecting pilgrims from harm. Due to the controversial nature of this trope, the nature of people and the dangerous ramifications "ends justify the means" thinking can lead to depending on the people and the cause being championed, NoRealLifeExamplesPlease.

** The mechanical camera from "Electric Eye", who takes a righteous enjoyment out of imposing morality on the populace via a Big Brother-like watch.

** Amongst Toa, [[MakingASplash Tuyet]] ended up becoming one of these over time. She eventually got to thinking that Toa could do much more good if they were willing to make "acceptable" sacrifices at times...which lead to her murdering several Matoran to keep a special AmuletOfConcentratedAwesome of hers a secret. This lead to both Lhikan and Nidhiki (back when he still [[FallenHero had morals]]) teaming up to defeat her and led to her imprisonment by the aforementioned Order.

Sometimes, the [[LightIsGood Forces of Light and Goodness]] become [[TheUnfettered too]] [[GoneHorriblyRight hardcore]]. In a deadly combination of WellIntentionedExtremist, TheFundamentalist, MoralGuardians, and sometimes HeWhoFightsMonsters, [[BlackAndWhiteInsanity they get blinded by]] [[VisionaryVillain themselves and their ideals]] and will do anything for them regardless of the effects on themselves or others. It's not the Forces of Darkness' fault, but they are laughing their asses off and [[NotSoDifferent taking a great deal of satisfaction that they were]] ''[[JerkassHasAPoint right]]''. It's basically TheMole version of HeroAntagonist. Seldom are Knights Templar explicitly evil from the beginning. Many an AntiHero will start by [[PayEvilUntoEvil Paying Evil Unto Evil]], and when they're not busting ass, are perfectly decent people. They may even overlook small fallacies and be classed on the good guy roster. These guys are often concerned that they run the risk of falling into HeWhoFightsMonsters and become this trope.

* WithinTemptation's "The Truth Beneath the Rose" describes the point of view of a former Christian extremist [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone seeing the error in his/her ways]].

Given the real-life trope namers (see below), many Knights Templar can be found in the ranks of the CorruptChurch, the ChurchMilitant, or the PathOfInspiration. In these cases, expect them to be screaming that they are HolierThanThou and we should all "{{Burn|TheWitch}} TheHeretic!". Even a SaintlyChurch can have one of these as a {{foil}} for the {{Good Shepherd}}s. Some stories go as far to portray the deity/deities they worship as this.

Not to be confused with TropeNamer UsefulNotes/TheKnightsTemplar, who varied between fitting and defying this trope and were founded with the noble intention of protecting pilgrims from harm.

[[noreallife]]

Sometimes, the [[LightIsGood Forces of Light and Goodness]] [[TheUnfettered get a little bit]] [[GoneHorriblyRight too hardcore]]. In a deadly combination of WellIntentionedExtremist, TheFundamentalist, MoralGuardians, and sometimes HeWhoFightsMonsters, [[BlackAndWhiteInsanity they get blinded by]] [[VisionaryVillain themselves and their ideals]], and this extreme becomes tyrannical [[MoralSociopathy sociopathy]]. It's not the Forces of Darkness' fault, but they are laughing their asses off and [[NotSoDifferent taking a great deal of satisfaction that they were]] ''[[JerkassHasAPoint right]]''. It's basically TheMole version of HeroAntagonist.

Usually, the Knight Templar's primary step (or objective) to his perceived "{{utopia|JustifiesTheMeans}}" is to [[TheEvilsOfFreeWill get rid of that pesky "free will" thing that is the cause of crime and evil]]. Many Knight Templar types are [[PayEvilUntoEvil utterly merciless]] in dealing with those whom they consider evil, and are prone to [[AllCrimesAreEqual consider all crimes to be equal]]. The lightest offences, such as [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking jaywalking]], are met with [[DisproportionateRetribution Draconian punishments such as full imprisonment, death, brainwashing, or eternal torture]]. If you're in a story like this, don't jaywalk, or even [[ThoughtCrime THINK about]] jaywalking. And may heaven help you [[PunishedForSympathy if you so happen to show any mercy or pity for a "wrongdoer."]] Sometimes even simply being a [[{{Jerkass}} jerk]] or being annoying can earn someone a Knight Templar's wrath.

It's important to note that despite being villains/villain''ous'' within the context of the story, Knights Templar believe fully that they are on the side of righteousness [[TheFettered and draw strength from that]], and that their opponents are not. Trying to reason with one isn't much good either, because many Knight Templar types believe that [[WithUsOrAgainstUs if you're not with them, you're against them]]. Invoking actual goodness and decency will have no effect, save for making Knights Templar [[{{Demonization}} demonize]] your cause as the work of [[{{Satan}} the Devil]]. After all, they are certain that their own cause is just and noble, and anyone who stands in the way is a deluded fool at best and another guilty soul to be "cleansed" or evildoer to be killed at worst, and doing so is not even DirtyBusiness ([[ItsAllAboutMe except, sometimes, for how much it makes]] ''[[ItsAllAboutMe them]]'' [[ItsAllAboutMe suffer, having to hand out all this justice]]). Indeed, it may take them a while to [[EvilCannotComprehendGood realize that a person with sense and good will really oppose them]]; the [[IncorruptiblePurePureness righteousness]] of their cause -- and their own selves -- is self-evident to them. One of the few ways to actually change a Knight Templar's mind is to, frankly, kick their ass down to the ground. This is because most are convinced that MightMakesRight, and that since they are good they only kill the evil, so if you beat them but don't kill them, you are good too. They won't necessarily join you, but with a little luck their mild concussion will stop them fighting for long enough to listen to your side of the story -- unless, of course, they conclude they're still ''inherently'' superior, and that you only beat them because [[CombatPragmatist you called upon the powers of darkness to cheat]].

The Knight Templar is the ultimate incarnation of LightIsNotGood, and in series where DarkIsNotEvil, you can count on this guy being the villain who believes that the "dark" characters are evil and must be destroyed. If a Knight Templar [[VillainProtagonist is]] ''[[VillainProtagonist not]]'' [[VillainProtagonist the antagonist of the story]], expect to see WhatTheHellHero and/or NotSoDifferent come into play at least once. If not, then they are a DesignatedHero. If they are still nominally good, expect them to be a HeroAntagonist.

Note that not all Knights Templar are explicitly evil from the beginning. Many an AntiHero will start by [[PayEvilUntoEvil Paying Evil Unto Evil]], and when they're not busting ass, are perfectly decent people. They may even overlook small fallacies and be classed on the good guy roster. These guys are often concerned that they run the risk of falling into HeWhoFightsMonsters and become this trope.

Many Knights Templar can be found in the ranks of the CorruptChurch, the ChurchMilitant, or the PathOfInspiration: expect them to be screaming that they are HolierThanThou and we should all "{{Burn|TheWitch}} TheHeretic!". Even a SaintlyChurch can have one of these as a {{foil}} for the {{Good Shepherd}}s. If the ''deity'' behind one of these churches is one of these, on the other hand, you've got problems -- count on an EasyRoadToHell due to them being so impossibly strict that few (if any) of the mortals under them can live up to their standards of morality.

A Knight Templar in a fantasy setting is usually a PrinciplesZealot, religious or otherwise. In a modern or Sci-Fi setting, the Knight Templar is just as likely to be a TotalitarianUtilitarian instead. In either case, they're likely to be a bigot who hardly qualifies as {{noble|Bigot}}, but might be {{troubled|SympatheticBigot}} by their own BlackAndWhiteInsanity. Sometimes, the Knight Templar is [[TheComputerIsYourFriend an artificially intelligent computer]] that took its instructions to "protect humanity" [[ZerothLawRebellion a bit too far]]. Prone to the BreakingSpeech and/or MotiveRant about how the heroes going up against them are evil and they themselves the good guys.

Very prone to ItsAllAboutMe, thus, expect their {{pride}} on being the only righteous ones to bring them down. Many Templars are LawfulNeutral or LawfulEvil, but the most egomaniacal and self-centered ones are NeutralEvil (though they'll never admit it), and the AnimalWrongsGroup version is ChaoticEvil.

See also KnightTemplarParent, KnightTemplarBigBrother, and LawfulEvil. Those who will ''really'' do anything for their beliefs count among TheUnfettered. A mild, comedic version is the LordErrorProne. Blind devotion to AllCrimesAreEqual without the religious zealotry falls under LawfulStupid.

Contrast with CardCarryingVillain -- a villain who is fully aware of their evil nature and proudly embraces it. A Knight Templar can become this if they have a HeelRealization and [[IgnoredEpiphany decides to keep being a villain anyway]]. Alternatively, they might turn NecessarilyEvil. Compare and contrast with the KnightInSourArmor, who is what happens when a LawfulGood character [[ToBeLawfulOrGood chooses to err]] on the side of Good instead of erring towards Law.

Compare/contrast KnightErrant. Contrast GoodIsNotNice for when a character is genuinely on the side of good but may rub other characters or the audience the wrong way. ''Not'' related to BloodKnight.

Not to be confused with TropeNamer UsefulNotes/TheKnightsTemplar, who varied between fitting and defying this trope and were founded with the intention of protecting pilgrims.

Another thing to keep in mind is that while Knights Templar will insist that they're good guys, even though they're practically villains, they often aren't completely ignorant of how questionable their actions are and the pain they cause. In fact, many Knight Templars are fully aware of the immorality of their actions but don't care. And despite their ruthlessness, [[EvenEvilHasStandards have lines that they refuse to cross]]. If the Knight Templar fails to see ''any'' wrong in their actions, then you're dealing with a variant known as the TautologicalTemplar who is so convinced that they're doing the right thing that they can't even fathom the idea that anything they do might be questionable or hurting others. It can get to the point where their rebuttal to anyone that tries to [[WhatTheHellHero call them out]] will basically amount to [[InsaneTrollLogic "My actions are good because I]] '''[[InsaneTrollLogic KNOW]]''' [[InsaneTrollLogic I am good and can't possibly be bad!"]]

[[quoteright:254:[[ComicBook/TheInfinite http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Templar_254_7474.jpg]]]]

Usually, the Knight Templar's primary step (or objective) to his perceived "{{utopia|JustifiesTheMeans}}" is to [[TheEvilsOfFreeWill get rid of that pesky "free will" thing that is the cause of crime and evil]]. Many Knight Templar types are [[PayEvilUntoEvil utterly merciless]] in dealing with those whom they consider evil, and are prone to [[AllCrimesAreEqual consider all crimes to be equal]]. The lightest offences, such as [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking jaywalking]], are met with [[DisproportionateRetribution Draconian punishments such as full imprisonment, death, brainwashing, or eternal torture]]. If you're in a story like this, don't jaywalk, or even [[ThoughtCrime THINK about]] jaywalking. And may heaven help you [[PunishedForSympathy if you so happen to show any mercy or pity for a "wrongdoer."]] Sometimes even simply being a [[JerkAss jerk]] or being annoying can earn someone a Knight Templar's wrath.

Note that not all Knights Templar are explicitly evil from the beginning. Many an AntiHero will start by [[PayEvilUntoEvil Paying Evil Unto Evil]], and when they're not busting ass, are perfectly decent people. They may even overlook small fallacies and be classed on the good guy roster. These guys are often concerned that they run the risk of falling into HeWhoFightsMonsters and become this trope. A Knight Templar is often portrayed as a TragicVillain as well, with their self-righteous views brought on by [[FreudianExcuse traumatic]] [[MonsterSobStory events]] or having [[AffablyEvil likeable qualities]] that makes the audience sympathize and relate to them. Expect their downfall to be [[AlasPoorVillain shown in a tragic light]]. Of course, at worst they're too sadistic to feel any kind of sympathy for.

Another thing to keep in mind is that while Knights Templar will insist that they're good guys, even though they're practically villains, they often aren't completely ignorant of how questionable their actions are and the pain they cause. If the Knight Templar fails to see ''any'' wrong in their actions, then you're dealing with a variant known as the TautologicalTemplar who is so convinced that they're doing the right thing that they can't even fathom the idea that anything they do might be questionable or hurting others. It can get to the point where their rebuttal to anyone that tries to [[WhatTheHellHero call them out]] will basically amount to [[InsaneTrollLogic "My actions are good because I]] '''[[InsaneTrollLogic KNOW]]''' [[InsaneTrollLogic I am good and can't possibly be bad!"]]

** Amongst Toa, [[MakingASplash Tuyet]] ended up becoming one of these over time. She eventually got to thinking that Toa could do much more good if they were willing to make "acceptable" sacrifices at times...which lead to her murdering several Matoran to keep a special AmuletOfConcentratredAwesome of hers a secret. This lead to both Lhikan and Nidhiki (back when he still [[FallenHero had morals]]) teaming up to defeat her and led to her imprisonment by the aforementioned Order.

* The Order of Mata Nui from ''Toys/{{Bionicle}}'' is a secret organization, and as such, they do not need to show morals (as nobody would judge their actions) and have no problems doing unethical things, like imprisoning many without giving them a chance at parole and ''experimenting on and modifying a species to use as soldiers'' against the Brotherhood of Makuta (although the race as a whole doesn't have a problem with the changes and continues to aid their mysterious benefactors). To be fair to them, they're [[spoiler:Mata Nui's immune system]].

A Knight Templar in a fantasy setting is usually a PrinciplesZealot, religious or otherwise. In a modern or Sci-Fi setting, the Knight Templar is just as likely to be a TotalitarianUtilitarian instead. In either case, she's likely to be a bigot who hardly qualifies as {{noble|Bigot}}, but might be {{troubled|SympatheticBigot}} by her own BlackAndWhiteInsanity. Sometimes, the Knight Templar is [[TheComputerIsYourFriend an artificially intelligent computer]] that took its instructions to "protect humanity" [[ZerothLawRebellion a bit too far]]. Prone to the BreakingSpeech and/or MotiveRant about how the heroes going up against them are evil and they themselves the good guys.

Contrast with CardCarryingVillain -- a villain who is fully aware of his evil nature and proudly embraces it. A Knight Templar can become this if he has a HeelRealization and [[IgnoredEpiphany decides to keep being a villain anyway]]. Alternatively, he might turn NecessarilyEvil. Compare and contrast with the KnightInSourArmor, who is what happens when a LawfulGood character [[ToBeLawfulOrGood chooses to err]] on the side of Good instead of erring towards Law.

-->I'll judge you all and make damn sure that no-one judges me!

[[folder:Web Original]]
* In ''Literature/VoidDomain'', when it comes to anything they consider a possible enemy, the Elysium nuns tend to shoot holy lightning first and ask questions never. Taken Up to Eleven by Sister Cross, [[spoiler: who thinks nothing of surprise-attacking a blind girl in her bedroom, then attacking a teacher who comes to her defense.]]
[[/folder]]

Usually, the Knight Templar's primary step (or objective) to his perceived "{{utopia|JustifiesTheMeans}}" is to [[TheEvilsOfFreeWill get rid of that pesky "free will" thing that is the cause of crime and evil]]. Many Knight Templar types are [[PayEvilUntoEvil utterly merciless]] in dealing with those whom they consider evil, and are prone to [[AllCrimesAreEqual consider all crimes to be equal]]. The lightest offences, such as [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking jaywalking]], are met with [[DisproportionateRetribution Draconian punishments such as full imprisonment, death, brainwashing, or eternal torture]]. If you're in a story like this, don't jaywalk, or even [[ThoughtCrime THINK about]] jaywalking. And may heaven help you [[PunishedForSympathy if you so happen to show any mercy or pity for a "wrongdoer."]]

Note that not all Knights Templar are explicitly evil from the beginning. Many an AntiHero will start by [[PayEvilUntoEvil Paying Evil Unto Evil]], and when they're not busting ass, are perfectly decent people. They may even overlook small fallacies and be classed on the good guy roster. These guys are often concerned that they run the risk of falling into HeWhoFightsMonsters and become this trope. A Knight Templar is often portrayed as a TragicVillain as well, with their self-righteous views brought on by [[FreudianExcuse traumatic]] [[MonsterSobStory events]] or having [[AffablyEvil likeable qualities]] that makes the audience sympathize and relate to them. Of course, at worst they're too sadistic to feel any kind of sympathy for.

* The Order of Mata Nui from ''Franchise/{{Bionicle}}'' is a secret organization, and as such, they do not need to show morals (as nobody would judge their actions) and have no problems doing unethical things, like imprisoning many without giving them a chance at parole and ''experimenting on and modifying a species to use as soldiers'' against the Brotherhood of Makuta (although the race as a whole doesn't have a problem with the changes and continues to aid their mysterious benefactors). To be fair to them, they're [[spoiler:Mata Nui's immune system]].

It's important to note that despite being villains/villain''ous'' within the context of the story, Knights Templar believe fully that they are on the side of righteousness [[TheFettered and draw strength from that]], and that their opponents are not. Trying to reason with one isn't much good either, because many Knight Templar types believe that [[WithUsOrAgainstUs if you're not with them, you're against them]]. Invoking actual goodness and decency will have no effect, save for making Knights Templar [[{{Demonization}} demonize]] your cause as the work of [[{{Satan}} the Devil]]. After all, they are certain that their own cause is just and noble, and anyone who stands in the way is a deluded fool at best and another guilty soul to be "cleansed" or evildoer to be killed at worst, and doing so is not even DirtyBusiness ([[ItsAllAboutMe except, sometimes, for how much it makes]] ''[[ItsAllAboutMe them]]'' [[ItsAllAboutMe suffer, having to hand out all this justice]]). Indeed, it may take them a while to [[EvilCannotComprehendGood realize that a person with sense and good will really oppose them]]; the [[IncorruptiblePurePureness righteousness]] of their cause -- and their own selves -- is self-evident to them. One of the few ways to actually change a Knight Templar's mind is to, frankly, kick their ass down to the ground. This is because most are convinced that MightMakesRight, and that since they are good they only kill the evil, so if you beat them but don't kill them, you are good too. They won't necessarily join you, but with a little luck their mild concussion will stop them fighting for long enough to listen to your side of the story - unless, of course, they conclude they're still ''inherently'' superior, and that you only beat them because [[CombatPragmatist you called upon the powers of darkness to cheat]].

Note that not all Knight Templars are explicitly evil from the beginning. Many an AntiHero will start by [[PayEvilUntoEvil Paying Evil Unto Evil]], and when they're not busting ass, are perfectly decent people. They may even overlook small fallacies and be classed on the good guy roster. These guys are often concerned that they run the risk of falling into HeWhoFightsMonsters and become this trope. A Knight Templar is often portrayed as a TragicVillain as well, with their self-righteous views brought on by [[FreudianExcuse traumatic]] [[MonsterSobStory events]] or having [[AffablyEvil likeable qualities]] that makes the audience sympathize and relate to them. Of course, at worst they're too sadistic to feel any kind of sympathy for.

Another thing to keep in mind is that while Knight Templars will insist that they're good guys, even though they're practically villains, they often aren't completely ignorant to how questionable their actions are and the pain they cause. If the Knight Templar even fails to see any wrong in their actions, then you're dealing with a variant known as the TautologicalTemplar who is so convinced that they're doing the right thing that they can't even fathom the idea that anything they do might be questionable or hurting others. It can get to the point where their rebuttal to anyone that tries to [[WhatTheHellHero call them out]] will basically amount to [[InsaneTrollLogic "My actions are good because I]] '''[[InsaneTrollLogic KNOW]]''' [[InsaneTrollLogic I am good and can't possibly be bad!"]]

Many Knight Templars can be found in the ranks of the CorruptChurch, the ChurchMilitant, or the PathOfInspiration: expect them to be screaming that they are HolierThanThou and we should all "{{Burn|TheWitch}} TheHeretic!". Even a SaintlyChurch can have one of these as a {{foil}} for the {{Good Shepherd}}s. If the ''deity'' behind one of these churches is one of these, on the other hand, you've got problems -- count on an EasyRoadToHell due to them being so impossibly strict that few (if any) of the mortals under them can live up to their standards of morality.

Sometimes, the [[LightIsGood Forces of Light and Goodness]] [[TheUnfettered get a little bit]] [[GoneHorriblyRight get too hardcore]]. In a deadly combination of WellIntentionedExtremist, TheFundamentalist, MoralGuardians, and sometimes HeWhoFightsMonsters, [[BlackAndWhiteInsanity they get blinded by]] [[VisionaryVillain themselves and their ideals]], and this extreme becomes tyrannical [[MoralSociopathy sociopathy]]. It's not the Forces of Darkness' fault, but they are laughing their asses off and [[NotSoDifferent taking a great deal of satisfaction that they were]] ''[[JerkassHasAPoint right]]''. It's basically TheMole version of HeroAntagonist.

Sometimes, the [[LightIsGood Forces of Light and Goodness]] [[GoneHorriblyRight get too hardcore]]. In a deadly combination of WellIntentionedExtremist, TheFundamentalist, MoralGuardians, and sometimes HeWhoFightsMonsters, [[BlackAndWhiteInsanity they get blinded by]] [[VisionaryVillain themselves and their ideals]], and this extreme becomes tyrannical [[MoralSociopathy sociopathy]]. It's not the Forces of Darkness' fault, but they are laughing their asses off and [[NotSoDifferent taking a great deal of satisfaction that they were]] ''[[JerkassHasAPoint right]]''. It's basically TheMole version of HeroAntagonist.

Not to be confused with TropeNamer TheKnightsTemplar, who varied between fitting and defying this trope and were founded with the intention of protecting pilgrims.

* The leader of revolutionaries in Music/{{Genesis}}' "The Knife", the overall message being that any revolution led by a Knight Templar will end in a dictatorship.

Note that not all Knight Templars are explicitly evil from the beginning. Many an AntiHero will start by [[PayEvilUntoEvil Paying Evil Unto Evil]], and when they're not busting ass, are perfectly decent people. They may even overlook small fallacies and be classed on the good guy roster. These guys are often concerned that they run the risk of falling into HeWhoFightsMonsters and become this trope. A Knight Templar is often portrayed as a TragicVillain as well, with their self-righteous views brought on by [[FreudianExcuse traumatic events]] or having [[AffablyEvil likeable qualities]] that makes the audience sympathize and relate to them. Of course, at worst they're too sadistic to feel any kind of sympathy for.