We like to talk about heroes, and what qualities it takes to make a good man.
We talk about heroines and how to keep them from being whiny and TSTL.
Let’s talk about villains!
What do you think makes a good villain? Is there such a thing as a “good” villain, really? Do you ever read about a particularly bad “bad boy”, one who doesn’t want to be redeemed, and think he’s more appealing than the hero of the story? Have you ever written one?
I know that there are authors who have created villains and ended up reforming them in another book, so they can have their happy ending and finally get the girl. How do you feel about that? Should a bad guy stay bad, or would you rather read about a man who has some hidden redeeming quality that can be polished to shine with the right influence?
Have you read any really great bad girls lately? Does a villainess have the same impact as a villain for you?
Tell me you darkest, deepest thoughts!
Personally speaking, I like a well-written, well-rounded bad guy. Not the sort who twists his mustache and applauds himself for doing evil, ala Snidley Whiplash, but a man who has strength of convictions that just don’t mesh up with what’s ‘good’? I love to get inside their heads and find out what really motivates them. And if they’re really interesting, yes, I’ll read a redemption book. So what about you?
November 9th, 2006 at 5:51 pm
I think you need to write a villian that is humanized, that has reasons why he’s bad. I learned that in a workshop. Villian’s aren’t so different from the hero. They’re both motivated by things that are important to them. One just chooses the dark path to get there.
November 10th, 2006 at 9:07 pm
I remember someone saying somewhere that Villians are the hero of their own story. In other words if you told the story in their pov they would be the hero while your H/h would be the “bad guys”
November 11th, 2006 at 5:57 pm
I love that saying Amie. I think that is so true. I love reading about a redeemable bad boy.