What is the name of the villain in 101 Dalmatians?

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What is the name of the villain in 101 Dalmatians? The villain is Cruella de Vil.

Cruella de Vil is the principal antagonist of Dodie Smith’s 1956 novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians and Disney’s 1961 animated adaptation, One Hundred and One Dalmatians. She is a wealthy, extravagant fashion figure who becomes obsessed with obtaining Dalmatian puppies for a fur coat. Her plan puts Pongo, Perdita, and their puppies in danger.

In the animated film, Cruella hires the criminals Jasper and Horace to steal the puppies. Her dramatic black-and-white hair, sharp personality, and distinctive automobile make her one of Disney’s most recognizable villains. The name itself is a pun combining “cruel” with “devil,” reinforcing her characterization.

Cruella is sometimes confused with villains from other Disney stories because several are fashion-conscious or pursue animals and magical creatures. Jafar belongs to Aladdin, Ursula to The Little Mermaid, and Maleficent to Sleeping Beauty. Later films and television productions have explored different versions of Cruella, but she remains the central villain of the 101 Dalmatians story.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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