Torturers are villains who either commit the crime of torture regularly or are shown committing torture in their appearance (if a one-shot villain). Although not necessarily true for all Torturers, many are sadistic and enjoy their work, though some simply perform their grisly deeds out of a sense of duty or twisted morals. Villains who torture for fun more often than not have crossed the Moral Event Horizon and may be a Complete Monster.

Torture can be classified as either emotion/psychological torture (cruelty designed to harm the mind or spirit) or physical torture (cruelty that involves physical harm but not instant death).