I always thought that it was strange that Jar-Jar was so eager to become the servant of the Jedi in episode one. It also seemed strange to me that he just happened to be there at the landing site of the droid ships that contained the Jedi. My curiosity became even more intensified when the ranking Gungans, including the King, seemed to know Jar-Jar personally. It also seemed weird to me that they would make Jar-Jar a General, even though he was a blithering idiot, even by Gungan standards. However, Jar-Jar was so anoying and irritating that I quickly stopped trying to assess his motives and just wished that I could fast-forward the scenes that had him in them. It also seemed unbelievable that someone so idiotic could fumble his way around a battle field so successfully.

Jar-Jar as a bad-guy...

Jar-Jar served the King of the Gungans as an entertainer. Something along the lines of a court Jester. This would explain not only why he is such a clown, but why he is known personally by the King and other leaders (and why he appears to be such a fool.)

As Darth Sidious grew up on Naboo, he most certainly would have been training and emplacing spies and assasins among the local populations (including the Gungans.) It makes perfect sense that he would have a spy among the leaders of the Gungans in a non-authoritative position (such as court Jester.) While it can often appear that Jesters are clumsy and stupid, they are actual very talented at appearing to be clumsy without really hurting themselves. I think it went something like this...

Jar-Jar makes contact with Sidious...

JJ: "Yes, ma masta, what is you bidding?"
S: "The plan must be excellerated. You are to leave your post at Gungan City as soon as possible, and proceed to the rondevue site. The Jedi may have stowed away among the droid army. You are to make contact with them. Stay close to them and report on all of their dealings. Should they escape from the system, sent a trace signal imediately on channel 66."
JJ: "Yesa my masta, it will be done."

I imaging Jar-Jar without his 'fools cloak' on as having an almost snakelike voodoo doctor sounding voice.

Does Jar-Jar really fit the bill for a Star Wars Villain?

I say yes. He is cowardly, likes to let others do his fighting for him while he watches from the shadows, seems to always be in the wrong place at the right times, and besides, his "fool" character is just too annoying to be a real good-guy.

So please tell me what you think: is Jar-Jar playing the fool, or is he really a fool?