Based on how he is perceived by viewers and described by the series' creator, the Cigarette Smoking Man is widely regarded as a villain and often categorized as evil.
The Cigarette Smoking Man's Portrayal
The character known as the Cigarette Smoking Man (often abbreviated CSM) serves as a primary antagonist throughout The X-Files. His actions and role in the overarching conspiracy often lead to conflict with the protagonists, Mulder and Scully.
- Fan Perception: Many X-Files fans have categorized the Smoking Man as evil, making him out to be the villain. This view is prevalent within the fandom, solidifying his status as the main antagonist.
- Creator's View: Series creator Chris Carter provided a very strong description of the character's nature, once calling him "the devil." This comparison directly links the character to the ultimate representation of evil.
Audience Reaction
While the consensus often leans towards classifying the CSM as bad or evil, the impact of such strong descriptions can be complex:
- Chris Carter's explicit description of the character as "the devil" produced a mixed reaction among fans. This suggests that while many agree with the assessment of him being evil, others might see nuances in his character, debate the absoluteness of his evil, or react differently to such a definitive label.
In summary, evidence from fan categorizations and the show creator's own description strongly supports the view that the Cigarette Smoking Man is intended to be, and largely perceived as, a bad or evil character, despite potential variations in fan interpretation.
