Despite his nature as a brutal killer and a vengeful spirit, Candyman has an especially tragic past compared to most horror icons, though he is nevertheless just as dangerous and deadly as any other horror movie villain. As with Clive Barker's earlier horror icon, Pinhead, the character of Candyman was intentionally designed to be very charismatic and articulate, his main source of fear being derived from his warped sense of reasoning. His real name is Daniel Robitaille and Candyman is also shown to possess a severe god complex. He implies self-omnipresence by identifying himself with the rumors and imagery based around his name and likeness, further claiming that without such things he is "nothing" making it clear that he enjoys hearing people talk about him. The people who worship Candyman i.e. the residents of Cabrini Green and New Orleans have a habit of participating in offerings to the vengeful apparition.