Tips on Wickedness

Everything I've ever read about creating villains has said something along the lines of, "You want your villains to be credible, not likable."

Now, I'm just one person amongst a sea of people who say otherwise, but I don't like that rule.

I don't know about you, but the villains end up being my favorite characters in most books/movies.

Just because they're supposed to be the bad guy doesn't mean they can't be a pleasant person.

But I'm getting ahead of myself again....

TIPS FOR WEAVING WICKEDNESS

--What You Want To Avoid--

*Being evil for the sake of being evil*

This used to be okay, but, these days, your baddies need some motivation other than just being evil. This also goes for "being obsessed for the sake of being obsessed." Your villains can't just randomly want to bring your hero down. There has to be some sort of reasoning behind it.

*Cats*

Avoid all those silly cliches--like stroking their freaking cat and sitting in a fat desk chair. If you want a good example, just watch any of the Austin Powers movies and take notes on Dr. Evil. Other good examples are: The Jealous Other Woman, The Evil Twin/Step-parent, and, of course, The Greedy Butler.

*Unbelievable motives*

So, your hero stepped on your villain's new sneaker a few weeks back and didn't apologize. The hero even left a huge scuff mark and now those new sneakers are ugly and unwearable. Yeah, that's a great reason to ruin their life, right? Totally.

If you haven't picked up on my sarcasm by now, please douse yourself in ice water.

*Overly Awesome Villains*

Okay, yeah, I did say I usually like villains more than heroes, but hear me out. Have you ever read a book (or seen a movie) where the villain was more memorable than the hero? Now, unless your villain is also your MC, you don't want your story to have that impact. You see that picture of the Joker from Dark Knight up there? I can't even remember Batman in that movie. All I remember is the awesomeness that was the Joker.

*SHUT UP!*

You know those bad guys who tie the heroine up and rant on and on about their evil plot--revealing every last, evil detail? Now, when your hero busts in a saves her ass, she can tell him all about the villain's giant laser set up in the old lighthouse outside of town! And that he's planning on using it at exactly midnight on the third of May! And that he's going to rob the bank on 4th Street tomorrow. And that he was the one that stole their dog, Buffy, three years ago...

That's a real suspense killer, isn't it?

*Wimps*

This is the only type of villain I don't like. These so-called villains can all--collectively--get hit by a bus. Really. I can't stand getting to that big moment where the hero and the bad guy are SUPPOSED to fight...and the villain squeals like a ninny and pees himself. Gah. That makes me want to jump onto the page and strangle him myself.

All right, are we clear on what you DON'T do with villains? Good :)

Now we can move on to the good stuff.

--What Goes Into A Good Villain--

(good villain. *giggle*)

*Strong Motives*

Abuse, poverty, betrayal, trauma. Those are a few great motives for "evil" behavior. They aren't the only ones out there, of course. You're free to motivate your villain as you please. Just make sure, whatever it is, it's strong enough. Put yourself in your villain's shoes. If (Motivating Event) happened to you, would it seem reasonable to set out and do what your baddie is about to do?

Maybe your villain doesn't think like a normal person though. In which case, you can take seemingly trivial events and twist them out of proportion. The only trouble with that is, most sane people don't know how unstable people think. It will require a lot of research to pull off, so use that one wisely.

*What's He Up To When He's Not Harassing Your Hero?*

Your villain has hobbies and interests too. Even if they don't show up in your story, it's good to look into them. It's even better if it's an un-villain-like hobby. Like he relaxes by tending to a rose bush. I know my rule is generally stay true to the character, but your villain can't be evil all the time, can he?

*What's The One Thing He Adores?*

And this can't be related to his/her malice or greed. This is just them--as a person--adoring something. Maybe a pet or a certain spot in town or time of day. Whatever it is, if done correctly, it will make your villain more human.

*Let Your Villain Mirror Your Hero*

Now, I'm not saying go out and make your villain and your hero exactly alike. Just let them have subtle similarities. It makes for some good inner conflict with your hero.

*He's Got Friends Too*

Just like everyone else, your villains have friends too...unless they live in some ivory tower, of course. So, not everyone thinks this person is evil. Meaning: they've got redeeming qualities. Put yourself in their friend's shoes. What about them makes you stick around?

Okay, I hope that helped. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

And if you're interested in suggesting a topic for a future post, just leave a comment and I'll get right on it!

Thanks for reading, everyone!