A to Z Challenge – V is for Villain

Hi all,

As some of you may know I have a soft spot for villains πŸ™‚ In Avengers/Thor I was always ‘team Loki’, the Walking Dead I liked Shane and then the Governor, I could go on… Now, there’s a slight possibility that that Tom Hiddleston/David Morrissey might have something to do with the obsession but I shall choose to believe that it is more because of the complex nature of the characters.

writing_quotes_from_writers_write_20-scaled1000People aren’t black and white, villains are rarely ‘purely’ evil – if they are then they tend to come across as dull and one-dimensional. With the odd exception then if they don’t have valid reasons for doing what they do then the character simply comes across as unbelievable.

I think it’s important to also be aware of this in your own writing. It’s not enough for your villain to simply do something evil, or to obstruct your hero in some way. You need to explore your character – why do they do what they do, what’s their motive and reasoning behind it, what has made them the way they are? Are they reaching for their own goals, escaping their dark history or even looking out for the ones they love. When you start to explore your villain as a complete character, when you put yourself in their shoes, then it’s hard not to start to emphasis with them – to see the shades of grey.

1450210_616174215112164_240985850_nPersonally, I probably get too attached, in two books I have written now when I go back to do a sequel than it’s the villains who are clamouring for their own story to be told. Are they redeemable? Well, I have no idea yet – but hopefully the fact that I do want to find out means they at least aren’t suffering from the dreaded ‘one-dimensional villain’ problem.

Have a good weekend x

3 responses to “A to Z Challenge – V is for Villain”

  1. Haha, I definitely agree with that Loki quote! And *swoon* The Governor. I swear, David Morrissey will be the death of me – his character was so awful, but I found myself pitying him anyway!

    Tom Hiddleston said something that resonates with me every time I write a villain: “Every villain is a hero in his own mind”. Helps me make them a bit more 3D, anyway πŸ˜‰ Great post!

  2. Ah, Loki. I’m a total Hiddleston Fangirl so I know it can be #GoodToBeBad πŸ™‚

    Fun post.

    Oh and Moriarty in Sherlock. Yeah villians can be fun

  3. Dearest Shelli, I come bearing good news! I have nominated you for the Liebster Award. Your A-Z posts have been really inspiring to me as a writer.

    For more info, you can go to my blog http://halleygentil.wordpress.com and find more information on the post entitled Liebster Award!

    Even if you don’t accept the award, I still think you and your posts are amazing. πŸ™‚

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