HOW TO WRITE AN UNFORGETTABLE VILLAIN

[@iviebrooks7768]

I love writing villains because they are so complex and fun. I like the type of villain who is sensitive, still human, yet totally evil.

[@AbbieEmmons]

YESSSS I agree 1000% Ivie :')

[@peanutbuttertoast7742]

Agreed 👍

[@cyberdazer7415]

Guess I'm on the right track

[@iluvmelatoningummies]

**cough cough** aaron warner

[@jamesheinrich5338]

I really struggle with my viallians! I love them but I have a hard time writing them.

[@ursularowland7461]

When the reader doesn't know what the villain's motivations are or what they are going to do next, they're absolutely terrifying!

[@tbirdUCW6ReAJ]

Michael Myers from original Halloween

[@somecallmejeremy]

Uh, I think you should know the villain's motivations or keep it as a mystery and reveal it in the third act or the finale of your story.

[@10FramesChromie]

Thats what i write

[@avatar756]

I don't think so.. If you don't know the villain's motivations, it makes the villain easier to forget. In the other hand, unexpectable villains are terrifying because we have this tight suspense of the "unknown".

[@haloum]

Agree. I think the best example of this is Negan from The Walking Dead. He is THE most unpredictable villain you'll see imo. The show ends up dimming his flame but he was terrifying in the beginning.

[@ZaxorVonSkyler]

I learned the best way to write an antagonist is to give them an arc just like the protagonist. It could be a negative positive or flat arc depending on the story but it has to mirror the protagonist's arc some how.

[@SaraOLN]

Wow, thanks for saying that. I'll think about it XD.

[@jobolds6146]

Yes I agree completely a great villan should reflect the craziest complexities of humanity because just being plain evil is stale but having a character who is the hero of his own story and has insecurities and flaws and actually shows traits that even the main protagonist displays can be really great

[@mshaqed2538]

@@jobolds6146 It really depends. Pure evil villains can be just as good as complex one, they just need more raw charisma, a compelling presence and to just give the reader\viewer one hell of a show.

[@kidcircuit1955]

Tomura Shigaraki

[@dawnpoint]

Ooh ooh ooh, what if the villain is actually emotionally attached to the hero?? Could make things quite intriguing.

[@user-hz5hn7ts1i]

The Joker

[@lylaiscooler]

THANK YOU for bringing that up. That’s how my story is and it makes your book a lot more interesting

[@sergiotorres9560]

@Kya Brown WOAH.... MIND BLOWN 🤯

[@jobolds6146]

Kya Brown that would be cool like a mr glass thing but make them childhood friends before he’s revealed to be a villain

[@shuichiseyelashes3260]

@Kya Brown My villain is the protagonist, but she doesnt realize until when she kills the villain(her in the future who time traveled to the past) she dies as well, instead of different realities/timelines being made, there is one strict timeline where if the past changes the future changes in that same timeline. If that makes sense

[@manicmuffin]

Good video, thanks! Side note: "protagonist" and "antagonist" does not mean "hero" and "villain," respectively. The protagonist is merely the lead character of the book, and the antagonist is the character (or other external forces) in opposition of the protagonist. If your story is from the perspective of a villain fighting a hero, the villain would still be the protagonist, and the hero would be the antagonist.

[@KitKat_-up4dm]

Artemis Fowl book 1 comes to mind...

[@ASmartNameForMe]

@@KitKat_-up4dm death note and breaking bad too

[@destiny-jo6td]

@@ASmartNameForMe death note for sure.

[@ThisIsNotAHairOnYourScreen]

They would just be considered a Villain Protagonist like Rick from Rick and Morty he's the main protagonist but is a narcissistic manipulative and abusive murderer.

[@jacindaellison3363]

And the protagonist from Catch Me if You Can.

[@goso03]

The most amazing villains are actually the tragic heroes (negative character arc). It is so beautiful to watch them descend into darkness (Daenerys - I wish we had more time seeing this process).

[@katnissgrace1017]

I think watching a hero slip down into dangerous territory of morally grey and even dark choices is interesting. You can’t have a good redemption arc without that.

[@koelk7603]

Exactly everything in GoT was done in so much hurry. Danny's arc would have been really great if execution was done in better way not like d way suddenly rushed up.

[@arturosandovalsaito2704]

In some of my stories, one of the villains is a character who became an abomination after a scientific test drive goes horribly wrong. Another villain I made is a wolf who was forced to learn how to kill animals by the main antagonist after getting kicked out of the pack for hesitating on killing their prey. One thing we learn about tragic villains in my opinion is that they use to be regular or even kindhearted people and one bad day or one horrifying event can affect these characters negatively to the point that we start watching them succumb into the dark side.

[@melissas9193]

Breaking bad tv series the best

[@shinmalestat9272]

Ah! But we still have the Winds of Winter to come to see Martin's true vision.

[@angela65789]

It's hard to believe your videos are not more popular

[@AbbieEmmons]

wow thank you!! 😊💛

[@Mushblue-t8c]

YES I LOVE HOW SHE SPEAKS¡

[@elinannestad5320]

Yes. The best! An amazing teacher.

[@AziaGreene-Robinson]

So true! Such good advice she gives😆

[@RavynUnderscoreArtYT]

Time stamps: (editing in progress) 2:05 Why does your Villain hate your hero? 3:06 NEVER GLORIFY YOUR VILLAIN 4:20 basic character building blocks Basic framework: Fear- Goal- Plan

[@Unownzone]

One of my favorite villains is Medusa from Soul Eater because she's pure evil, super smart, very manipulative, and always wins. Even though she doesn't have a fear, she's a really memorable villain

[@MikeHendleyArt]

Exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you. I have my first novel sitting at 65,000 words and now I have an idea of how I can surface the villain earlier in the story as well as weave in a more interesting back story. Keep up the great work!

[@AbbieEmmons]

I'm so glad you found this video helpful, Mike! Thank you so much for watching! 😊

[@juliaherkel8051]

"Actually it sounds very fun!" That's exactly what I was thinking 😂

[@AbbieEmmons]

HAHA :'')

[@mynecessaryprogram]

You make me want to write again 😩

[@AbbieEmmons]

I'm so glad! 💛

[@starowlstudios4147]

A perfect villain would be the one who wants his desire to come to reality. He or she is willing to give up anyone to fulfil their desire. They will make sure that their plan is perfect and they will again success no matter what until the hero/heroine defeats them. Love your videos. I can't wait for 100 Days of Sunlight to come out on 7 August. You are the main reason why I have started writing my book. Love you 3000 : )

[@Puff_the_Tuff]

You can still write an incredible villain who knows he is evil though. That is insanely compelling and interesting and we need to see more of those villains.

[@dp-g5i]

That's great, but unless it's a horror story, we have to see the build up or it becomes ridiculous. Consider Walter White. His initial motive is to make quick money to provide for his family when he dies of cancer, but over time he becomes more and more evil, and he enjoys it but still doesn't consider himself a bad person. That is, until the end of Season 4 when he realises he is evil and then he embraces it. It wouldn't work (outside of the horror genre) if we were introduced to a villain who knows he is evil, but doesn't care about it, without knowing why.

[@Puff_the_Tuff]

@@dp-g5i Im saying a villain doesnt have to be sympathetic to be likeable. Like say Frieza from Dragon Ball Z.

[@FunkyLikeFeathers]

This was EXACTLY the video I needed! Thank you! I've been struggling with my villain, but after watching this and answering all of the questions, I actually have an awesome villain completely fleshed out with a backstory and everything!!! Thank you!!!

[@AbbieEmmons]

Wow, that's so awesome!! I'm so glad this video inspired and helped you develop your villain! 💛✨

[@uncleanunicorn4571]

I question whether all villains must be sympathetic. Consider the Joker. Enduringly popular, but his only mission is chaos, and he has no real virtues to speak of.

[@mostdefinitelynotaguineapi7566]

Of course not.

[@arminc4658]

Joker's only mission is not chaos. He actually has a point to make and a clear motivation. The Joker is good not because of his pure evilness or because of his chaos, he is good because of his beliefs and philosophies. His belief that all people deep down are evil, and all it takes is a push, perfectly opposes Batman's faith in the good of the people of Gotham. Joker wants to prove that his worldview is the correct one, and that's what drives his character. Without this parallel, the Joker would not work.

[@glitchtastic8889]

I watched another video on this. The reason why the joker works as a villain is because deep inside we all wonder what the world would be like if we stood up to its rules, there's a part of us that empathizes with standing against "corrupt" authority, or any kind of authority for that matter you don't have to agree with a villain's actions or even sympathize with them, so long as there's a part of you that relates to them or even a deep curiosity of how they could change and affect the world they live in, you'll be drawn to the story

[@johntabler349]

There are numerous iterations of the joker I think the Dark Knight version is perfect example of this basic formula minus a backstory

[@justinsellers9402]

Buffalo Bill/Jame Gum from Silence of the Lambs was not at all sympathetic but was extraordinary.

[@MasDeNadiaEscritora]

This video came right when I needed it! My favorite villain is Loki! I really need to study him more. Thanks for the video! 😘😘😘

[@AbbieEmmons]

I'm so glad you liked the video! Thanks so much ❤️

[@claire98]

Loki's my favorite too. I think I almost like him too much

[@onyxtheowl24]

I actually looked up this video so *I* could analyze a character deeper.

[@ZaxorVonSkyler]

I prefer Thanos since Loki isn't a villian half the time.

[@zeinaelwy]

Yes Loki is awesome!

[@heathercampbell6059]

I don't know, I've just known too many people who don't care if they're the hero of their own story or not. Who actually sometimes embrace not being the hero of their own story. I do think it makes for great villains, but I don't think they're the only villains out there. Sometimes a good old pure evil villain is what the story needs. But sometimes you need something you want and I think this is a great Place to start for that. thank you

[@GuruOfwisdom]

I like villains with very strong personalities. I think it’s great when they are hilarious, especially when saying rude or offensive things in funny ways because a villain can be rude and insensitive and funny at the same time. Also I like if they embrace unpopular opinions and express it in funny ways, like hating dogs, or children, or weak people, etc. I especially like if the villain is pestered by nuisances that they aren’t allowed to act on for a while… And then when they finally can they get to remove them in the funniest way.😂

[@lylaiscooler]

Omg when she said to make a good character and then destroy them I was like; ok now this is fun But the sad thing is that I already did it

[@marenomorgan]

I love the responsibility you put on writers here to be intentional with message. I feel like this is my main problem with so much modern media. The writers unintentionally send the most horrendous messages to the audience, and they don't take seriously their role as story tellers.

[@LochlainnMacLock]

“Everyone starts out good.” That would be an amazing untruth for a character to discover.

[@lexysartworld]

Oh man, after watching this, I cannot wait to get on my laptop and write tomorrow!! This video came at the right time! My favourite villain would be Yzma from The Emperor's New Groove

[@AbbieEmmons]

wow I'm so happy this video inspired you! Thank you, Alexandria! 😊

[@stephaniequinn6703]

My favorite literary villain is The Darkling in Leigh Bardugo's Grishverse series. Just love him!

[@zeinaelwy]

Call me cliche or regular but I love Voldemort his motivation and desire and internal conflict is spot on!

[@isaklagerlof9945]

3:00 I don't know if I agree. I absolutely think you can make the reader care about and understand the villians motivs to the point that you start to feel for the villian. I don' think "the bad guy is the bad guy" needs to be case in every story. Why can't the antagonists motivs just happen to stand in the way of the protagonist or what if the antagonists actions is for a good cause but the protagonist just happens to stand in the way for his dream. Maybe the protagonist and the antagonist just has different worldviews and their motivs goes against ech other. It's not the same as having two protagonists, you are still stuck mainly following the protagonist as in most stories. Even in stories were the protaganist is the bad guy you're still hoping (or at least somewhat hoping) for him to succed on whatever his doing. I think any good writer can make you be on the protagonists side while still making you feel for the villian.

[@juparula]

"And we'll just have to wait until season 5 to see if Ross finally pushes George off a cliff." Well there is a cliff involved, but Ross isn't the one who makes him start to fall..... Season 5 George just brings his story and character to a whole new level. Jack Farthing is absolutely incredible

[@AbbieEmmons]

YES! seriously one of the best if not THE best actor in the show... damn

[@juparula]

@@AbbieEmmons You said it!!

[@astevenswrites]

I know I'm a few years late to the party, but I have been LOVING all your content and watching a good majority of it. After watching this one, I think I've pretty much nailed all the points you brought up, so that is reaffirming. But, I will continue to keep everything in mind as I develop them further. Thanks Abbie!

[@chloepedraza280]

My favorite is the villain that gets a redemption arc. It’s so good

[@ViceN53X]

One of my favorite villains is Hal from Megamind. This is the kind of villain who has quite a realistically creepy obsession behind Roxanne. This is one of those "Nice Guys" who think that because he's nice to a girl he likes, the girl owes him affection in return for being "Nice". But not only is this misbelief stupid, but Hal's not really a nice guy. He basically wants Roxanne just for sex. That's it. And I like this villain because it's what we see in other certain guys in real life. The "Incels" as we call them. Mostly high schoolers back in my day. So seeing Hal getting defeated by Megamind was really satisfying.

[@jonathanmarks3112]

5:13 Prepping a creative writing class on characters, especially villains, and watched this video JUST for this point. Thanks so much- I needed the reminder!

[@beoyellow8107]

I love it when you can relate to a villain like they want something you know you'd want if you were pushed further

[@auqajenkins3411]

Thank you so much! I don’t like using any novel-writing tutorials except for yours!

[@googuyproductions3750]

I have a charcter who starts out good, in fact, his views at the beginning aligns directly with the protagonists, however, his greatest fear turns him to the villain out of desperation.

[@kiraalbesc]

same in my story, But she turns evil over the action of protagonist, and he made her live her greatest fear

[@alexandernorman5337]

I'm not sure every villain needs a fear though. I find Hannibal Lecter to be a great villain. He doesn't have any real fears though.

[@mostdefinitelynotaguineapi7566]

Abbie seems to think that every character's main flaw is purely ideological, and rooted in fear. This isn't the case. Stories are about the choices that characters make, and villains are characters who make a lot of morally wrong choices. That is the only thing that is essential to all villainous characters.

[@insimniak]

If you'll read the third Tomas Harris' book about Lecter (Hannibal) you'll find out his fears, conflicts, backstory etc.

[@JBLesel]

I'm working on a YA epic fantasy, book 2, where a side character in book 1 becomes a villain in book 2, and so there's a lot of inner conflict from her POV which is fun. Your video has been a nice inspiration to keep me on track with her, I'm doing okay in this process (while I procrastinate on the actual writing) ;)

[@FreelanceProtagonist]

Favourite villain ever - Archibald "Archie" Cunningham in Rob Roy. When he died at the end, the entire audience stood up and started clapping. I'd never seen a reaction like that in any movie theater ever.

[@randommeowthekitty6482]

I love creating villain characters even if they don't necessarily have a story attached to them, so this should be a very fun video to watch!

[@esthereckstine2532]

VILLIANS!!!!!!!!!!! (all the normal people are weirded out by how excited we writers are about villians hahahahaha) But in all seriousness, I LOVE villians. I am also terrible and writing them so THIS IS BEYOND HELPFUL THANK YOU SO MUCH. Honestly I think the best kind of villian is one with a sense of humor because then I relate to them and even though I hate them I also reaaallyyy like them! Oh btw, my family started watching Poldark, we got to season 2 but it was getting less and less family friendly so we stopped. I would like to know your opinion though, do you think it's still a good series to watch? Not as a family with little kids of course, but is it worth it? When we left off, Ross seemed to be straying more and more into the darker parts of his character and being an idiot and I don't know that I can stand a main character like that 😂😂😂 I get so worked up cuz I want to slap some sense into them 😂😂😂 But anyway yes, what's your opinion?

[@AbbieEmmons]

A VILLAIN WITH A SENSE OF HUMOR < yes. :') I'm so glad you liked this video, Esther!! And hehe yes, Poldark… I wouldn't call it family friendly necessarily, especially after season 2. I would say it's like PG-13. AND OH MY GOODNESS YES ROSS IS SO FRUSTRATING I COULD SMACK HIM. He definitely does stray (a lot) but I did like how (at least in seasons 1 and 2) he does realize what matters in the end and what a fool he's been about many things. But honestly going into season 3 and 4 the writing goes REALLY downhill and all the characters start acting out of character and the whole thing gets pretty dragged out. So you've probably seen the best of it HAHA 😂

[@RoseCadenza]

People usually like the villains more because writers create more backstory ad internal relations for them. That's what I've been told. Plus, they're just cool!

[@featherquill9476]

@@AbbieEmmons Never watched the show but I saw according to Google it was a reboot of the older version on Masterpiece or something, perhaps that writing is better? Cheers!

[@lupitas-obrien1782]

Roy Batty from the original Bladerunner. You feel attracted by him horrified compassionate and terrified. Great villain.

[@oceanwaters6048]

When it comes to hero/villain relationships and how they interact, my fav show is Once Upon A Time. It does so well with what makes a villain a villain and a hero a hero. It’s just done so well. Regina’s whole character is AMAZING

[@danielfields4841]

Been watching your videos to think of ideas for a light novel or comic book and I have to say they have been really helpful, so thanks for that. Also my favourite villain is probably dio brando purely because of how twisted his beliefs are when it comes to how he views others as naturally inferior to him and how he tricks others to get to his own desires

[@naomiluedi7994]

Thank you so much! I still need a villain for a tv show that I'm waiting and this was pretty helpful! Also, my favorite villain is Bill Cipher from Gravity Falls! Love that triangle!

[@kryskestrel]

Love these writing videos Abbie!!! I'm learning so much - thanks for putting all of these out!

[@ZealSeraph]

I've always found the "villain is the hero of their own story"-advice really limiting. I mean sure, every villain needs at least some kind of motivation to their actions, and preferably (not always) a back story as well to show who they actually are, but they don't have to think that their actions are right. It places boundaries to what the villain can or can't do, a moral line they would not cross. I think there absolutely is a place for villains who lack morality, those who are out for power, status or personal gain, who aren't afraid to snuff out the innocent only to prove a point or to terrorize the heroes, or perhaps just to feel empowered over it. A villain who doesn't have any moral boundaries is far more terrifying and unpredictable than those who act by their moral code and think what they do is justified. One I can sympathize with, but it's the other that keeps me on the edge of my seat every time they appear anywhere near the characters I've grown to care about.

[@johntabler349]

This is helpful, first time I watched it I returned to my story and did profiles on all the villains for my story, which was a challenge because ultimately the "villain" is actually a dark conspiracy committed to misdirection and subterfuge each member of the conspiracy has unique motivation from sadism to a desire to change the world for the better the challenge is you don't know who all the villains are until the final act

[@victorbryan5482]

Zaheer from LOK is hands down my favorite villain, not only because his ideological position, the inherent danger of the avatar, was something I agreed with when he articulated it, but his personal charisma and the fact that he overcame impressive odds to become one of the most skilled airbenders in history. Hard not to root for someone like that.

[@IxiaRayne]

Not quite on the topic of villains (mine is a fake friend - I SO look forward for the heartbreak that I get to write) but on the video itself. I LOVE what you did with your audio. Paused at the right moment and pulled through until the end. I enjoyed it! ♥

[@AbbieEmmons]

oooh a fake friend, that's good!! 😍 and omg thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video!

[@guilhermme5280]

“I don’t have anything to loose” the number one quote villains say when they’re about to go all out on the hero.

[@AngelPuffCait]

YES George is SUCH a good example!!

[@giseledute]

I want to wrtite a villain right now, omg hahahah I like "Black Jack" or "Jack Randall" by Outlander. He's despicable and I hate him, so I know he's a very well-written villain. And I love Poldark!!!

[@AbbieEmmons]

YAY A FELLOW POLDARK FAN *high fives * I'm so glad this video inspired you, Gisele!

[@ssundaram1686]

Gisele Dute I know I'm a great villain haha.

[@bendavies8881]

I am attempting my first novel, and having a bit of fun subtly planting the idea, that the villain might just have been right.

[@anomaliecosmos]

I certainly don't agree that villains are "inherently evil" or that evil people are "subhuman", but I see where you were going with that at least? Good advice overall.

[@julaisha5368]

Binging through all your Videos while working on my own YA Romance. While knowing about plot structure and outline basics those comments/explanations here and there and examples are something that really help and motivate me. I'm sort of using those videos for motivation and for enhancing my novel. Thank you so so so much.

[@asmith7812]

I like this writing channel cos she is the only few female youtuber that speaks with a normal voice.

[@dellaxrose]

You are so aesthetic and this video was so helpful thank u

[@shinmalestat9272]

Just a few nights ago I was mapping out a villain using the ennegram. I found what I consider to be his core personality (1), then chose one of the connecting personalities to be an extension of his positive traits (4) and the other to be an extension of his negative traits (7). Now I can't wait to flesh him out.

[@christopherdale1745]

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog delightfully flips the hero/villian dynamic.

[@renatakr754]

This is so well spoken and clear! I have not watched all of your videos but it already helps me so much!

[@Aahana1.0]

"Hitler loved his pet dog" Me: *Crying Laughing*

[@adriftcheetah]

I love this video! Just earlier, I saw a post about how some ppl grow tired of seeing the "villain with a tragic backstory" or "villain with a reason other than being evil". They said they wanted to see more of villains JUST being evil for the sake of it. Of course, this is personal preference, and I can respect that 😂 I, however, like stories with villains that are more complex and more than what meets the eye 🤣 reality is not black-and-white, and I really love to see that in the characters, villains, and stories I read. Great video!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@laisphinto6372]

yeah but you cannot deny the sheer awesome villains like emperor palpatine who is like the only guy in the Star wars movies who loves every second of his life till the end. so irredeamable enjoying his lust for ultimate power .

[@Asodym]

My all-time favourite villain is DIO from jojo. Especially him in part 3.

[@SillyInsaneGamer]

Really enjoyed the video! I've been creating many different villains over the last couple of months, and the first thing I do similar is going for their past, most of the time I want to give them a past that is either a means for their goals or the reason they're so.. messed up. I don't always give them a fear to say, but I do strive to make them human enough. One I find most enjoyable, although not a great example is my Hans kleiser. A German surgeon with refined techniques who unfortunately was struck by a car, and other lesser surgeons messed up their work on his face. Terrified and outraged, in frenzy he attempted his best but it resulted in him wrapping up nearly his entire head except for his left eye, bloodstains around the bandages, stitches visible, and nearly all his hair gone. His beloved married his brother, which he blamed on the loss of his face. In modern times he was appointed to a growing organization to return the german glory and acted as both their highest-ranked member as a chief surgeon to experiment on soldiers and to torture their victims, ultimately facing off against a heroine Diana, and taking his life in a final gambit.

[@rahulghosh9039]

In the Dark Knight Trilogy, we have 2 villains- Ras al Gul and Bane, who have materialistic desires. Both these characters wish to destroy Gotham and they really don't seem to have any form of emotional attachment with what they are doing. Whereas Joker and Two face are 2 villains who do not have any materialistic motive behind what they do. Joker simply wishes to make Batman break his oath of never taking human life and Two face wants revenge from Batman and Gordon because he feels he has been a victim of their deeds. That's what makes the Trilogy so legendary.

[@aresaurelian]

Villains are so much fun! You can make them desire anything.... anything anything!

[@DreamBelief]

The fact that you said they are inherently evil right at the start was quite surprising. There are many great villains who aren't evil. In fact, that's often a good way to create a truly terrifying villain. If you're looking at villains through the lens that they're inherently evil you're looking at them in a very shallow and simplistic manner. That's the old black and white method of character creation. We've moved past that. It doesn't even hold up in reality either. Actions can be evil (although even many actions are a grey area viewed as evil by some, and perfectly fine by others. Think about real life and you'll come up with many examples)

[@vibhuagnihotri1726]

I needed this. I needed this so damn much. I literally halfway crealated my villain jotting down notes while watching this. This was the first video of yours I've ever watched. I'm addicted. 💚💜

[@juliaradzio7027]

I LOVE ,,POLDARK''. 😍Thank you for this example and super case study!

[@justkay233]

there's also a difference between an antagonist and a villain. an antagonist works against the protagonist, but isn't necessarily all blood and guts and glory. in the book i'm writing, the hero is the protagonist (obviously) who battles against the antagonist, who is the supposed "villain," but the word villain doesn't accurately describe him. the true villain of the story is completely different than him and pretty terrible, therefore when the true baddie comes out, the story gives the reader a chance to realize "oh wait the antagonist isn't actually that bad compared with this horrible villain that i kinda wanna throw off a bridge."

[@butter7790]

I've always liked those villains that are in some ways emotionally attached to the protagonist yet their goal have almost nothing to do with them. I also like when authors make you hate them just right until the protagonist's view on the world changes and their actions are finally understood. SPOILERS AHEAD FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN'T WATCHED VINLAND SAGA Askeladd, for example, is a child of a slave and a king who took him in after realizing he was his son. He grew up to be a leader and he crosses paths with the protagonist when he's six years old or so, he kills his father and the kid starts hating him more than everything as he promises to get stronger and stronger to revenge his father. Even so, he never won in a duel against him. Towards the end of the season Askeladd is revealed to be some kind of saviour that his mother told him about and the rightful king of Britain yet his goal wasn't aiming for the crown. It was to protect his motherland and had nothing to do with either the protagonist or other side characters. Moments away from death he asks the protagonist what is he going to do once he's gone and THAT'S where the protagonist's view on the world changes. THAT'S how he won me and everyone who's watched the anime.

[@peachibread1983]

For me I take stuff from real life as inspiration for my villains. I make them embodiments of a single aspect of darkness. My favorite ones are blind rage and slippery manipulation. A villain that's so furious and relentless that anything that takes a breath is in their way. Or A villain who wants the world in his hands and will either manipulate, subjugate, or eliminate his enemies until he's on top, like theyre all ants at the top of an ant lion pit and he's pushing them into it.

[@Yatukih_001]

One of my favorite villains of all time is a guy none of you know anything about, and least of all me. Still do not know his name. All that is known about this villain for sure is, he is incredibly realistic. He utilizes realism to its fullest potential at the expense of the European Union. He is an adult guy who dreams about a future Europe where nations govern their own fate instead of mere, obsolete superstates. Its a comic world where the EU exists as an animated entity created by failed supervillains from the real world. We are never told exactly who created the EU in this comic or why, but once I saw this villain´s face and the code he lived by which I think was to be happy and cheerful no matter what and refuse to let tyrants tell himself what to do, causing himself to be misunderstood as an actual villain. Still can not remember the name of the comic.Thank you!

[@flimsyfun4960]

oh thank you for this vid! I'm trying to find some good videos that can help me make my villain a good villain for my D&D campaign and how I can make her more understandable, and this definitely helped!

[@annasamek5179]

My favorite villain: the diabolical editor Miranda Priestly (played by Meryl Streep) in The Devil Wears Prada.

[@deviousvillain0621]

It blows my mind how much Takuto Maruki from Persona 5 Royal fits your description of a good villain literally word for word. Want to turn his desires to reality (in more ways than one), thinks he is the hero and what he is doing is right and will do everything he can to achieve it. Not to mention the only thing standing In is way is the hero “not necessarily in reality but in his mind” any fans know exactly why this is relevant. (His palace)

[@littlepinkniki]

Your videos are SO helpful, thank you Abbie! Current favourite villains/pseudo villains: Kennit (Pirate) and Paragon (Mad Ship) from the Robin Hobb 'Liveship traders' series. She's incredible at constructing complex stories with multiple sub-plots in a universe of her own creation. Her villains are complex, simultaneously lovable, relatable, detestable, unforgivable, and have terrible (yet could happen to anyone) events that carved their fears deeply into their psyches and drive them forward, leaving the reader anticipating terrible things even when they have been redeemed (Paragon in the Fitz & Fool series).

[@AbbieEmmons]

I'm so glad you liked this video, Nicola! 😊 thank you!! and ooh that sounds so good!! I'll totally have to check out this author 😍

[@littlepinkniki]

@@AbbieEmmons Your videos are amazing, you're such an inspiration. I've been procrastinating on my thesis the last few days and planning my novel (that I've had in my head and scribbled on little notes since 2011). You've helped SO much, thank you for sharing your knowledge. Going to start writing it the moment I hand in the tome, I finally have something tangible to look forward to afterward... I think everyone who loves reading should read Robin Hobb's books. Her Fitz & the Fool series is where I started... Order to read: Fitz and Fool - read first trilogy. Turn to the Liveship traders series. Then return to the Fitz & Fool series for the second, and third, trilogies if you get into it. I couldn't put them down, I've read almost twelve of these huge books in a year on top of all the other stuff I should have been reading.

[@rachelburke7969]

I love this and all your suggestions. I am currently writing a story where my villain is actually one of the protagonist’s best friends. He, outwardly does not appear to be the villain, but his motivations steer him in that direction, eventually causing him to directly oppose and eventually destroy the protagonist’s goals… mostly. Any ideas on where the villain isn’t obvious?

[@cupio-stardust]

Thanks for the advice, it improved my antagonist!

[@debbieash81]

Favourite villain without a doubt is Jean Brodie from The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, excellently played by Maggie Smith in the film version. A really charismatic character who draws you in but her subtle-yet-significant narcissism has such a ruinous effect on others and herself.

[@ainerosemcgowan559]

One of the best done villains I have ever seen is Petro from Kurt Seyit et Sura, a Turkish period romance drama, one of my favourite series of all time.

[@taleoftheninetailed3012]

Girl you are so under-rated

[@artwithlilix5067]

my favourite villain of all time is Loki and Bellatrix cause their author gave them such a great backstory that makes me love them. Plus can you how to make a good anti-hero in the story ?

[@KerenBrunette]

This really helped me, and also I agree, Poldark is great

[@MultiTaylorswift1234]

I’m so inspired to write out the character profile for my villain now.

[@AbbieEmmons]

Awesome!! Thanks so much for watching! 💛

[@aasiyaali9509]

This video came out at the perfect time! I really needed this because I'm currently writing the backstory for my novel's villain. Amazing video😍😍😍

[@AbbieEmmons]

I'm so glad this came at the right time for you! 😊 thanks so much for watching!

[@curiouswords]

Great advice, thoughts, and methodology for villains. Also, the excellent series on plotting is a MUST SEE! Thanks Abbie! You DA [WO]MAN!!!!

[@109367]

Step One: Give them a badass theme song! ... no? xD

[@destiny-jo6td]

feeling good or seven nation army😼

[@toonboyoriginalstories3147]

Theme song? Book? Teach me your ways!

[@therealblacktronempire1987]

My favorite villain is a politician who wants to stop everything from moving and changing. With glue.

[@jamesheinrich5338]

I loved your video Abbie it was informative, insightful, and entertaining!

[@beezle.]

Thank you this was really helpful for my series! This video is helpful and great!

[@timothygilmore3053]

One of my favorite books that has a great villain in my opinion is Berserk. The graphic novel is huge. But Griffith is a great villain where the hero Guts. Now spoiler alert the author died before finishing the story so it's hard to say if it will be finished. However in my opinion it's a good place to find inspiration to understand great villains.

[@corinnabanyas8218]

Here’s my favorite villain :funny valentine

[@MilanElan]

Abby, you're so wonderful. I'm a 40 year old mom of a 10 yr old girl and I'm trying to get her hooked onto your videos. You're so wholesome! Please have (real, not just paper) children of your own someday. Your psychological insights would make you a great mom!

[@Juan-de-Dios]

I like to have about 5-8 villains in my animated novels so that they literary corner the main hero. :) And I always try to do all these villains different: one who has his or her reasons to hate, other who hates without a reason, just because he or she is evil one :) Another villain may be with comical features, etc. etc.. Even two villains-twins do I have in my last show, who hate each other and the main hero :)

[@andrewchapman2024]

Villains are not always evil or subhuman, sometimes they are just characters with goals that oppose the goals of the main character.

[@kaijames2281]

to build on something you said about not glorifying the villain: in some stories there is a thin line between the hero and villain. as a writer of a lot of dnd campaigns I like to really grill my players at the end about everything they did. they may kill the villain, but after there done, they realise they've become just as bad. so ABSOLUTELY do not glorify your villain, but do make sure to do the same for your hero.. at least eventually. outline what THEY did that was shitty / wrong / cost lives / did more damage in the long run. Enjoy!!

[@mandiec5574]

One of my favorite villains is Fallon the Drug Lord, from 1994's movie: Judgment Night. He was roofless and determined to accomplish his number one rule: 'No witnesses." The movie is about four best friends going to a boxing match. However, when they got off the freeway, they found a guy who had been shot and tried to help him. Unfortunately, they became targets when Fallon and his men had trapped their RV between two large buildings, pulled out the injured victim from the back window and shot him in cold blood. Then Fallon and his men tried to kill them. But at the end, Frank had killed Fallon by pushing him over the balcony. (However, if any of you haven't seen the movie, I'm sorry for spoiling it for you.) But it was a very good movie. 🙂👍

[@mikeljones4673]

My all-time favorite villain in books, movies, or TV PROGRAMs... has to be Heath Ledger's Joker. Not just because of the performance. He was the perfect polar opposite with the protagonist, Batman. He then said that himself when he was hanging upside down outside a building under construction... "I think you and I are destined to do this forever."

[@kanishmaray]

Just the video I needed! Thank you!

[@AbbieEmmons]

I'm so glad! thank you!

[@damepieper2163]

Never watched the show you mentioned, but it reminds me a lot of one of my favorite movies, the count of Monte Christo.