What is a Deal With the Devil?

The Deal With the Devil Explained

A 'Deal with the Devil' is a narrative trope where a character makes a pact with the Devil or a demonic figure in exchange for worldly desires like wealth, power, knowledge, fame, or other personal gains.

This pact typically involves the character sacrificing their soul or moral integrity, leading to dire consequences in the long run.

Faustian Plots

The legendary figure of Faust emerged from the historical Johann Georg Faust, a 16th-century alchemist, astrologer, and magician. While the historical Faust was known for his travels and claims of possessing various knowledge and skills, the legend surrounding him grew and transformed over time.

In the late 16th century, the first "Faustbuch" (Faust book) was published, compiling various tales and anecdotes about Faust's exploits. This book established the core elements of the Faust legend: a scholar who makes a pact with the Devil, represented by Mephistopheles, in exchange for knowledge and worldly pleasures.

The Faust legend gained immense popularity throughout Europe, inspiring numerous literary, dramatic, and musical adaptations. Christopher Marlowe's play "Doctor Faustus" (c. 1592) solidified Faust's image as a tragic figure who succumbs to temptation and faces eternal damnation.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's epic poem "Faust" (1808-1832) further elevated the legend, portraying Faust as a complex and conflicted character who yearns for more than earthly knowledge and experiences. Goethe's Faust is not simply damned for his pact with the Devil, but rather embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption.

The Faust legend has continued to resonate with audiences through the centuries, inspiring countless retellings and reinterpretations. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition, the pursuit of forbidden knowledge, and the temptation to make deals with evil forces for personal gain.

And thus, Faustian plots were born.

Beats in a Deal with the Devil Script

If you're going to write one of the movies or TV shows, I highly recommend you start with a beat sheet. Seeing the beats all laid our will inform your character arcs and get you motivated.

These plots explore themes of temptation, ambition, moral compromise, and the consequences of unchecked desire.

They serve as cautionary tales about the dangers of seeking shortcuts to success and the importance of upholding one's values, even in the face of adversity.

1. Temptation and Desire: The story often begins with a character facing a difficult situation, feeling unfulfilled, or harboring strong ambitions. The Devil, representing temptation and forbidden knowledge, appears and offers a solution to their problems through a pact.
2. The Pact: The terms of the deal are outlined, often with a focus on the character's immediate desires. The Devil usually presents the pact as a mutually beneficial arrangement, downplaying the negative consequences and emphasizing the immediate rewards.
3. Immediate Rewards: The character experiences a period of success and fulfillment after making the pact. They achieve their goals and enjoy the benefits of their newfound power or wealth.
4. Hidden Costs: As time goes on, the character begins to realize the hidden costs of the deal. Their relationships may suffer, their morality may erode, and they may feel increasingly trapped by the pact.
5. Desperation and Regret: The character becomes desperate to escape the deal, but finds themselves bound by its terms. They may try to outsmart the Devil or seek help from others, but their options are often limited.
6. Consequences: The story often ends with the character facing the ultimate consequences of their deal. This can involve losing their soul, experiencing eternal damnation, or enduring a tragic downfall.

Examples of Dealing With the Devil in Movies and TV

What I love about this plot device is that it shows up in big and small ways across movies and TV shows, to make your protagonist make a tough choice.

Let's look at a few examples.

Film:

• The Devil's Advocate (1997): A young lawyer joins a prestigious firm run by the Devil, tempted by wealth and power, only to realize the true cost of his success.
• Wall Street (1987): An ambitious stockbroker is seduced by the allure of wealth and insider trading, leading to his downfall and moral reckoning.
• Rosemary's Baby (1968): A young woman unknowingly becomes involved in a satanic cult's plot to conceive the Antichrist, highlighting themes of manipulation and sacrifice.
• Late Night With the Devil (2024): A viewer hungry late show host risks it all with his occultist affiliations, slowly revealed in a post-modern, satirical spin.

TV:

• Supernatural (2005-2020): This long-running series frequently features characters making deals with demons for personal gain, often with devastating consequences.
• Lucifer (2016-2021): The Devil himself becomes the protagonist in this series, exploring themes of redemption, free will, and the nature of good and evil.
• American Horror Story: Coven (2013): This season of the anthology series delves into the world of witches and the Faustian bargain for power and immortality.