How are supervillains different from superheroes?

Superheroes and supervillains are both fictional characters often endowed with extraordinary or superhuman powers, but they are defined by their opposing moral roles and objectives.123

• Superheroes: Traditionally, these characters represent lofty ideals and act as protectors, often using their abilities to fight crime and oppose villains. They are frequently compared to the gods of classical mythology, serving as symbols of virtue and aspiration. While modern iterations may grapple with self-doubt or existential angst, their core function remains rooted in the struggle against malevolence.42
• Supervillains: These characters are the archenemies and direct counterparts to superheroes. They utilize their extraordinary powers for nefarious, destructive, or egomaniacal ends. While some narratives explore the possibility of redemption, supervillains are generally depicted as being committed to evil, often serving as essential components in the eternal comic-book conflict between good and evil.14

In essence, the distinction lies in their intent: superheroes strive to uphold justice and protect others, whereas supervillains pursue harmful or self-serving agendas that threaten the established order.142