mooks

A mook is a fictional character archetype often found in popular culture, particularly in action movies, comic books, and video games. Mooks are typically depicted as minor antagonists, serving as disposable henchmen or foot soldiers for a more significant villain. They are usually numerous, less intelligent than the protagonist, and lack individual distinctiveness. Their primary purpose in a narrative is to provide obstacles for the hero to overcome, thereby demonstrating the protagonist's strength and prowess.

The term "mook" itself is informal and has evolved over time. While it can refer to any generic, easily defeated enemy, it often carries a connotation of being somewhat pathetic or deserving of their fate. Mooks are rarely given complex backstories or motivations; their existence is solely to be defeated. Examples can range from unnamed thugs in a martial arts film to generic alien grunts in a science fiction story or low-level monsters in a fantasy setting. The sheer volume of mooks a hero can defeat often serves as a visual indicator of their power level. Their lack of individuality makes their defeat feel less impactful on a moral or emotional level for the audience, allowing for more straightforward action sequences.