What is the deal with the devil trope?

From Faust to the blues legend of a musician at the crossroads, the deal with the devil is a story about desire and price. The devil is often the most charming character in the book, and modern fiction frequently makes him the love interest.

It's a natural fit for gothic, dark fantasy and paranormal romance — wherever someone wants something badly enough to gamble everything.

Common variations

  • Crossroads bargain
  • Contract with a demon
  • Selling a soul to save someone else
  • Outwitting the devil

What to watch out for

  • Loopholes that make the bargain meaningless

Classic examples