Schemer

A schemer is a person who devises and pursues plans to achieve certain ends, often by manipulating others or concealing their true intentions. The term tends to carry a negative or pejorative connotation, signaling cunning or subterfuge rather than straightforward honesty. In neutral use, it can simply denote someone who is planning or plotting, though its use generally implies that the plans involve other people's cooperation or exploitation.

Among fiction and drama, schemers are common antagonists whose plots drive the narrative. A classic example is Iago from Shakespeare's Othello, who engineers others' misfortunes through calculated manipulation. In broader literature, scheming characters may be portrayed as ambitious advisers, rivals, or political operatives. In real life, the label is often applied to individuals who orchestrate behind-the-scenes deals, coalitions, or conspiracies, especially when their motives are hidden or morally unclear. The term is not synonymous with competent leadership or strategic planning; it emphasizes deception or manipulation.

Related terms include plotter, intriguer, conspirator, and manipulator. Distinctions exist between a schemer and a strategist: a strategist plans for success with integrity and transparent aims, whereas a schemer emphasizes secrecy and expediency, sometimes at the expense of others' welfare.