How to write villains

Complexity

Give them realistic and complex motives.

EXAMPLE

Victor steals and kills to fund his sister’s treatment.

Give a tragic past that explains their present.

EXAMPLE

After losing her family in a fire she accidentally caused, Eliza vowed to control fire. She gained magical fire powers that corrupted her.

Make them charismatic.

EXAMPLE

Marcus’ eloquent speeches rally the nation despite his horrible motivations.

Show the villain also doing something good.

EXAMPLE

In a rare moment, the pirate saves a drowning child.

Show them changing their goals, motivations, etc., throughout the story.

EXAMPLE

Clara's simple revenge plot morphs into a quest for absolute control over the city as she gains power.

Make their motivations relatable and their actions unjustifiable.

EXAMPLE

Desperate to protect his crumbling heritage, Julian resorts to sabotage against competitors.

Show how the hero and villain had similar situations but chose opposite responses.

EXAMPLE

They were both betrayed at some point. But the hero chose forgiveness, whereas the villain chose revenge.

Use the villain's POV occasionally.

EXAMPLE

In a chapter from the villain's perspective, her ruthless decisions are shown as a means to protect her captured brother.

Show the villain tempting the hero or being tempted to change.

EXAMPLE

The villain offers the hero a share of the throne, but the hero declines and continues rebelling against the villain.

Show the cycle of violence that created the villain.

EXAMPLE

Haunted by his mentor’s betrayal, Derek’s trust issues make him the monster he once fought against.

Avoid simple defeats. Consider redemption, failure to change, or ambiguous endings that challenge the reader.

EXAMPLE

Kara throws the crown at the hero's feet and walks away, never to be seen again.