How to Create a Likable Villain for Your Fictional Story
Villains play a pivotal role in driving conflicts and challenging the protagonist’s journey. However, not all villains are simply despicable figures; some possess qualities that make them strangely likable. These figures account for some of the most memorable and even empathetic in the medium of storytelling, whether it’s text or video.
What is a Likable Villain?
A likable villain is a character who is morally corrupt or evil, but who also has some redeeming qualities that make them sympathetic to the reader or viewer. These characters are often complex and well-developed, and they may have understandable motivations for their actions. In other words, these characters almost simply seem like misguided beings, with flaws but are nonetheless amiable and easily relatable to readers or an audience.
Why are Likable Villains Important?
Likable villains can be important to a story for a number of reasons. First, they can add depth and complexity to the story by providing a different perspective on the conflict. Second, they can make the story more suspenseful by creating a sense of uncertainty about who will win in the end. Third, they can make the protagonist more relatable by showing that even good people can make mistakes.
Examples of Likable Villains
Likable villains are popular with consumers simply because they are appealing. They often exhibit pleasant traits that make them not only realistic but also, respectable and engaging. In fact, there is fiction in which this particular antagonist is the most popular character. Some examples of likable villains include:
- Hannibal Lecter: Hannibal Lecter is a cannibalistic serial killer who appears in several Thomas Harris novels and films. However, he is also a highly intelligent and cultured individual who is able to manipulate others with ease.
- Hans Gruber from Die Hard. This villain is not only intelligent and sophisticated but likewise very clever and devious. He speaks at least two languages fluently and has an impressive education. He is also debonair, charming, courteous, and charismatic. Even in moments when he is doing something bad, he remains a relatable character.
- The Joker: The Joker is a sadistic criminal from Batman who enjoys causing chaos and mayhem. However, he is also a charismatic and unpredictable figure who is able to captivate audiences with his twisted sense of humor.
- Malcolm Merlyn: Malcolm Merlyn is a skilled archer and master strategist who appears in the Arrow television series. He is a complex character who is motivated by a desire to protect his family and his city, even if it means resorting to violence.
- Kylo Ren: Kylo Ren is a powerful Sith Lord who appears in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. He is a conflicted character who is struggling with his own dark side, and he is ultimately sympathetic to the viewer because of his relatable struggles.
- Thanos: Thanos is a powerful warlord who appears in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He is motivated by a desire to save the universe from overpopulation, even if it means killing half of all life. He is a complex and sympathetic villain who is ultimately driven by a desire to do what he believes is right.
These are just a few examples of likable villains. There are many other examples, and each one is unique and interesting in its own way. Likable villains can add depth, complexity, and suspense to a story, and they can make the protagonist more relatable.
What to Consider When Creating a Likable Villain
Aside from redeeming qualities, a likable villain should have certain attributes or experiences. When creating your likable villain, it is important to consider the following factors to make him or her believable and related to the average person reading your fictional story:
- Give the villain a sympathetic backstory. This could involve a difficult childhood, a tragic loss, or a personal belief that they are justified in their actions.
- Give the villain some redeeming qualities. This could involve a sense of humor, a love of animals, or a strong sense of loyalty.
- Make the villain complex and well-developed. This means giving them their own goals, motivations, and desires.
However, be careful not to make this specific villain too evil. For instance, if this villain crosses accepted moral boundaries by hurting children or animals, it will be difficult for the reader or viewer to sympathize with them at all. In fact, one of the biggest lessons that is taught in screenwriting courses is to create a villain that viciously and/or violently preys on innocent children and animals because the reader or audience will instinctively dislike or even despise such an antagonist.
Steps to Create a Likable Villain
In order to create a likable villain, he or she should have some distinct qualities and experiences that are either intertwined or totally separate from the protagonist. While your antagonist can certainly share some traits with your main character, there obviously must be clear differences. Here are some of the best ways to create your own likable villain:
- Motivations and backstory: Craft a compelling backstory for the villain that explains their motivations, desires, and past experiences. Develop a well-rounded character whose actions are driven by understandable and relatable reasons. Their backstory should evoke empathy or at least foster an understanding of their perspective.
- Complex moral compass: Give the likable villain a moral compass that may deviate from traditional notions of good and evil. They may possess a twisted sense of justice, pursue a misguided ideology, or believe their actions serve a greater purpose. This moral complexity adds depth and intrigue to the character.
- Charismatic personality: Endow the villain with charisma, charm, or a captivating presence. They may possess wit, intelligence, or a magnetic allure that draws others to them. This charisma allows the villain to enthrall both the other characters within the story and the readers themselves.
- Humanizing vulnerabilities: Reveal vulnerable aspects of the likable villain’s character that humanize them. Show their insecurities, fears, or moments of self-doubt. By exposing their vulnerabilities, readers can empathize with the character on a deeper level, even as they recognize the villain’s flawed nature.
- Noble intentions or justifiable actions: Allow the likable villain to harbor noble intentions or engage in actions that, from their perspective, are justifiable. They may seek to enact change, rectify past wrongs, or challenge oppressive systems. This provides an additional layer of complexity to their character, blurring the lines between hero and villain.
Also, consider giving your likable villain unique and memorable traits. Supply the likable villain with distinctive and memorable traits that set them apart. It could be a specific quirk, a peculiar sense of humor, or a particular skill that adds intrigue and dimension to their character. These unique traits contribute to the character’s likability and make them stand out in the reader’s mind.
How a Likable Villian Can Contribute to a Story
A likable villain is a key ingredient in creating an engaging and memorable fictional narrative. Their complexity, moral ambiguity, and compelling qualities draw readers deeper into the story, fostering emotional investment and thought-provoking discussions. By carefully crafting a likable villain, writers can create an antagonist who captivates readers, challenges the protagonist, and leaves a lasting impact on the narrative as a whole.
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Owen is the creator and author of more than sixty original short stories and counting, including drama, crime, suspense, action and adventure, family, historic fiction, sci-fi, and slices of life. He is also a musician who has written extensively about theory.
