Comparing Machiavelli And Prison Break

The media portrays a vast number of archetypes through the animation of characters. Specifically, the archetype of a good leader is continually put on display. The idea of a good leader is ancient, it has been introduced in the past by famous writer, Niccolo Machiavelli. Film adopts these same principles of the good leader from people such as Machiavelli. Characters that are successful at gaining followers and building positive relationships exemplify good leaders, whereas characters that cannot achieve these things exemplify bad leaders. Niccolo Machiavelli’s theme of adaptability to be a good, successful leader is depicted in the popular television series, “Prison Break”, through the protagonist Michael Scofield, who is adaptive: in personality,
Precisely, a good leader knows no situation is identical, and to be successful they must adapt to different situations. Machiavelli stresses the importance of the good leader “adapting his methods to the times: a method used today may make a man ruler of the world; the same methods used fifty years from now may lead to disaster” (Machiavelli, N). Machiavelli further explains this by saying “one who governs himself with caution and patience, times and affairs converge in such a way that his administration is successful, his fortune is made; but if times and affairs change, he is ruined if he does not change his course of action” (Machiavelli, N). Machiavelli elucidates the importance of changing the way one handles different situations and being adaptable to not always tackling situations the same. Michael Scofield from Prison Break, demonstrates perfect understanding of this through the way he plans his breakouts. Primarily, in season 1 his break-out from Fox River Penitentiary was completely stealth. Michael chose to break out at midnight by effectively using the element of surprise in every phase of his plan. He carefully conducted research of the prison, so that the guards did not know him and his followers were gone until it was too late (Scheuring, Paul). Michael exhibits the qualities of a good leader in a Machiavellian society by adapting to the times in this scenario to be successful. Furthermore, in season 3 Michael is sent to a different prison where he must break out once again. The producer does an excellent job of deceiving the viewers to think that Michaels’ break out will be like the previous one in season 1 (Scheuring, Paul). However, this is not the case. Michael sticks to the teaching of Machiavelli and uses his ability to adapt to the times to be a good, successful leader. Michael chooses to break out in broad daylight while setting off a fire alarm, sacrificing the