Devious character who’s the subject of this puzzle - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

This clue is a classic example of a theme-revealing entry, often found in larger Sunday puzzles. The phrase "who's the subject of this puzzle" is a direct signal to the solver that the answer is not just a standalone entry but the key to understanding the puzzle's overarching theme. It invites us to think bigger and look for connections across the grid.

Clue Analysis

The clue has two distinct parts:

1. "Devious character": This points us toward a figure known for cunning, scheming, or trickery. The word "devious" often implies a level of complexity and cleverness, even if the plans don't always succeed. We should be thinking of antagonists, tricksters, or villains from popular culture.

2. "who's the subject of this puzzle": This is the meta-commentary. It tells us this answer is the central figure or concept around which other theme entries are built. Once you solve this, other related clues (which might have seemed nonsensical before) should click into place.

Thinking Approaches

A solver encountering this clue should employ a few strategies:

• Recognize the Meta-Clue: The most important step is identifying this as a theme revealer. Don't just try to think of a devious character in a vacuum; understand that their name will unlock the puzzle's gimmick.
• Brainstorm 'Devious' Characters: Create a mental list of famous schemers. This could include anyone from Shakespeare's Iago to cartoon villains. Given the playful nature of crosswords, animated characters are a very common source.
• Use the Crossings: An answer this long (11 letters) is tough to get without help. A few crossing letters can be incredibly powerful. For example, getting a 'W' at the beginning and a 'C' and 'T' near the end might trigger a memory of a specific cartoon character.
• Look for Thematic Synergy: If you have other long answers filled in, see if they relate. Do you see words like ACME, ANVIL, or ROADRUNNER elsewhere in the grid? These would be massive hints pointing directly to the answer.

Background Context

The answer to this clue is a beloved character from the Golden Age of American animation. Wile E. Coyote is a central figure in the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of cartoons. Created by director Chuck Jones and writer Michael Maltese, he is defined by his single-minded, obsessive, and always-unsuccessful pursuit of the Road Runner.

His schemes are famously and comically elaborate, often involving mail-order gadgets from the fictional Acme Corporation. These contraptions almost invariably backfire, leading to his own spectacular injury. This combination of high-minded, "devious" planning and catastrophic failure makes him a perfect fit for the clue.

Conclusion

This is a fantastic theme-revealing clue. It perfectly captures the essence of the character -- a self-proclaimed "super genius" whose devious plans are his own undoing. For solvers, cracking this clue is the key that unlocks the entire theme of the puzzle, leading to a satisfying and comprehensive solving experience.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This character is known for their elaborate but ultimately unsuccessful schemes.
2. Hint 2: They are a classic antagonist from animated shorts.
3. Hint 3: This character frequently orders products from the Acme Corporation.
4. Hint 4: Their primary goal is to catch the Road Runner.

The answer is WILEECOYOTE.