Workshop: "Writing Villains" by Wachey

[jij]

How to Write a Villain

Written by: Wachey

First, I will admit that I don't write villains that often, but I understand that they are just as important as the heroes and can add a lot of action, suspense, humor or drama to a story. I've also attempted to use some of them in my fanfics like Lex Luthor in Birthday Surprises; Ra's Al Ghul

Comments

[wachey]

Something I should add to this essay that I recently learned in my Writing for Animation class.

What makes a good villain is:

1) you're able to relate or empathize
2) logical
3) they have an edge over the hero

[bradygirl_12]

you're able to relate or empathize

I think that's why it's so tough for us Clexers, who saw a very human and appealing side to Lex for years before he lost his mind! ;)

[wachey]

Oh I know!! That and I blame MR for being so darn good looking.

[bradygirl_12]

*laughs*

That's true! MR threw the producers a curveball by being gorgeous and so talented, giving us shades of gray with Lex until he lost his mind! I'll keep saying that because it's true! He's crackers! The man we saw in the early seasons had the darkness we all had, but not the monster he's showing now.

[jij]

I'm curious--can you tie #2 to the Joker? I suppose he does have him own kind of logic, right? It doesn't have to be logic the other characters would consider "logical," per se.

I'd never really thought of #3, but you're right, the hero kind of has to be the underdog to some extent, don't they? Interesting...