When you think of a villain what is the first name that pops into your head? Loki? Voldemort? Freddy Krueger? Jack Torrance?

For many people, one name, in particular, stands out, and that name is Dr. Hannibal Lecter. A man who was first introduced in the novel "Red Dragon" he has transcended into something so much more. His character can now be found in books, movies, and a hit television series.

There are many reasons that this man turned monster are captivating but here are the top five.

1. He is a cannibal

Cannibalism has been something that has been discussed for a very long time and it is seen as such a disgusting thing to do. The idea of eating someone enough to make most lose their appetite. But not Hannibal Lecter, he enjoys dining on those he kills. While most serial killers keep some sort of trophy from their victims Hannibal ate his instead.

2. His ideal victim

Everyone has a pet peeve, something that they just can't stand. Most people have a good handle on suppressing the urge to do something about it. Hannibal Lecter did not fight that urge. He hates rude people and when given the chance he prefers to dine on them, calling them "free-range rude." His ideal victim is someone who is rude, which isn't a good thing for most people, especially if you are having a bad day. Hope you are on your best behavior.

3. His disguise

Hannibal Lecter, before he was caught and arrested, was a psychiatrist. He would get into people's heads and learn their deepest darkest secrets, which when you know the truth about him is pretty scary. I don't know if I would want someone like him inside my head.

4. His becoming

Many people wonder what turns someone into such a monster, in this case, it was all outside forces that pushed Hannibal Lecter over the edge. Living through World War Two in hiding, his parents and tutor being killed in front of him, and the brutal death of his sister, who was eaten by the men who had captured the two Lecter children, all led to the monster growing within

5. His dinner parties

Hannibal Lecter was very popular in his social circles. Before his incarceration, he was known to be a supporter of the arts. That being said he hosted a plethora of dinner parties where he fed his guests a wide variety of meals. But one thing that featured heavily was meat. At these dinner parties, he fed his victims to his guests, making everyone there an unknowing cannibal — And he did it with a smile on his face.