Svengali
Domineering psychological controller
A Svengali is a person who manipulates another through psychological dominance, especially one who exploits a protégé's talents while controlling their life.
The term comes from a character in the 1894 novel *Trilby*—a hypnotist who transforms an tone-deaf girl into a singing sensation under his complete control.
The word now describes any sinister mentor or manipulator: He became her Svengali, directing every aspect of her career.
Often used for managers, producers, or romantic partners who exert undue influence over artists or performers.
One who directs others
- impresarioConcert or opera organizer
- producerOne who makes things
- mentorTrusted wisdom-giving advisor
- star-makerOne who creates celebrities
talent · protege · ingenue · showbiz · spotlight · fame · discovery · transformation
Trance-state practitioner
- VictorianOf a prim era
- novelNew and unusual
- villainWicked story antagonist
- archetypeOriginal model for copies
mesmerist · opera · singer · Paris · bohemian · artist · tragedy · gothic
One controlling figures backstage
- controlAuthority to direct
- influencePower to affect others
- dominationSupreme authority held
- mesmerizeCapture attention completely
exploit · groom · coerce · brainwash · gaslight · predator · abuse · vulnerable
Capture attention completely
- tranceSemiconscious, unresponsive condition
- spellboundHeld as if enchanted
- entrancedFilled with wonder
- hypnosisInduced trance state
captivate · bewitch · enchant · charisma · magnetic · compelling · fixation · suggestion
manager
One who directs others
- impresarioConcert or opera organizer
- producerOne who makes things
- mentorTrusted wisdom-giving advisor
star-maker · talent · protege · ingenue · showbiz · spotlight · fame · discovery · transformation · makeover
hypnotist
Trance-state practitioner
archetype · mesmerist · opera · singer · Paris · bohemian · artist · tragedy · gothic · melodrama
puppet master
One controlling figures backstage
- controlAuthority to direct
- influencePower to affect others
- dominationSupreme authority held
mesmerize · exploit · groom · coerce · brainwash · gaslight · predator · abuse · vulnerable · victim
mesmerize
Capture attention completely
- tranceSemiconscious, unresponsive condition
- spellboundHeld as if enchanted
- entrancedFilled with wonder
hypnosis · captivate · bewitch · enchant · charisma · magnetic · compelling · fixation · suggestion · susceptible
- AllusionsAchilles heel, Pandora's box, Trojan horse, forbidden fruit, Midas touch
- Hypnotismhypnosis, hypnotism, hypnotist, mesmerism, mesmerist
- hypnotistshypnotherapist, stage hypnotist, mesmerist, Franz Mesmer
- shadow powerpuppet master, puppeteer, string puller, string pulling, string-pulling
- schemersschemer, manipulator, conniver, plotter, intriguer
- Coined Wordschortle, galumph, nerd, robot, quark
Svengaliguardian angel
Protective spirit assigned individually
fairy godmother · liberator · encourager · benefactor · patron saint
SvengaliYoda
Gandalf · Obi-Wan Kenobi · Mister Rogers · Mary Poppins · Pygmalion