As opposed to the malicious Cracker who uses his computer skills for profit and mayhem, the Playful Hacker normally wants nothing more than to explore new territory on the Net and learn new things. Sometimes, he plays harmless pranks which can cause clueless authority figures to confuse him with his dark counterpart. Even when his actions are not strictly legal, though, his intentions and presence are almost always benign — even heroic. This is what "hacker" used to mean before mass media mutated it.
When a Playful Hacker and a Cracker collide on the Net, it's always the Playful Hacker whom authorities pursue first, a plot complication which puts additional pressure on the Playful Hacker to track down the Cracker, the true culprit. When the final face-off comes, though, it's going to be the Playful Hacker versus the The Cracker at high noon at the 0K Corral with virtual six-guns.
The Playful Hacker usually owns a Magical Computer, which allows him or her to do all manner of things impossible to normal computers and users, especially when engaging in Rapid-Fire Typing. (See Hollywood Hacking.)
He may or may not be a Mad Scientist depending on who you ask. Chances are a more-benign Playful Hacker might turn out to be a Reluctant Mad Scientist or a Stupid Scientist. A Playful Hacker viewed in a positive light can also be a Science Hero or even a Guile Hero. Modern iterations may also be Tech Bros.
Playful Hacker has been suggested to play 1 roles. Click below to see other actors suggested for each role, and vote for who you think would play the role best.
