Villains. What makes them so interesting? I'm not a villain. In fact, I think my friends would call me a prude, but I love villains! I've written an entire musical based on my love for the villain in Sleeping Beauty. Well, it's more than just about Moira, but she is by far my favorite character. By. far. So what makes her so interesting? What's the fascination? As a little girl, I remember watching old movies where the girl was always drawn to the bad boy and I always thought that was so stupid and then I grew up. It's not that I ever found myself wanting to date a rebel, but there's something so alluring about them. The snarky thief, the power-crazed brother of the king, the jealous wife, the bitter outcast. They sure make good reads.
My philosophy is that these characters are more round than the hero could ever be. They have more layers than an onion and dissecting them to see what they're really made of is nothing short of a thrilling roller coaster ride. We are made up of memories and mistakes.
Granted, there are some villains who were just meant to be hated. I couldn't pick up a novel about child abuse. I wouldn't make it through the first chapter without chucking the book across the room I'm sure. Not all villains are intriguing.
Kind of a random post, but Windsong's comments got me thinking about it.
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I love posts about characterization! It is what I love best about writing. One of our fellow writers pointed out that there has to be some sort of redeeming quality about villains. In other words, it's fun to love and hate them at the same time. I agree! :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you've come up with. The villains do tend to be rounder than the heroes. I don't necessarily think this is how it has to be, just how it tends to be. They also generally have a better sense of humor which draws me in from the start.
ReplyDeleteAnd there are some villains that ought to be given concrete shoes because there is nothing redeeming about them at all. (Yes, I woke up on the wrong side of the bed today. My nose still hurts!;-))
I love villains, too. I think that's why I write romantic suspense instead of romance.
ReplyDeleteLynnette Labelle
”Lynnette Labelle’s Blog”
Mmmm, love writing villians. Or any other complex character!
ReplyDeleteNice post. I think I'll do a reverse one on heroes. Thanks for the idea.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE VILLAINS!
ReplyDeleteI wrote a post on villains awhile ago. Title something like "The Hero Has It All..." or something. I'm too lazy to put in a link, sorry.
But yes, I wrote my whole first novel just for the villain. I had to know what made him tick. Now I know, it's still amazing and fun to peel back those layers!
Litgirl01 - It's my favorite part too!
ReplyDeleteDanyelle - Absolutely. There are some great heroes out there too! Some of whom started out as villains. I love it when that happens.
Lynnette - I can totally see that. It adds another dimension.
Christine - Yea! Character really is the best part.
Eric - Wow! I inspired something. Great post by the way!
Lady Glamis - I'll definitely have to read that one. From all that I've read so far, you have wonderful insights! I think my vision is a bit narrow all too often. It's why I can't come up with exciting blog entries. lol! Maybe it's the photographer in you.