Gaolers, also called Wardens or Jailers, are villains who are known for keeping Inmates in check. These villains are feared for or known to imprison their captives, whether it is in cells, cages, etc. For obvious reasons, the vast majority of these villains are Corrupt Officials. Many are also Psychopaths and/or sadists (e.g. Buffalo Bill from The Silence of the Lambs). Ironically, some Gaolers can be prisoners themselves.

There are also certain kinds of Gaolers known under a distinct subcategory known as Trap Masters. Trap Masters are skilled at ensnaring and trapping others, thereby leaving them to be imprisoned.