Creating a Memorable Villain

Key Concepts

• Objective: Provide characteristics and approaches to craft memorable villains in storytelling.
• Method: Break down villain archetypes and evaluate their defining characteristics and how they are presented in films.

Villain Archetypes

1. Mirror Villain

   • Definition: Villains that are the opposite of the hero but share certain traits, values, or methods.
   • Examples:
     • Magneto to Professor X
     • Kylo Ren to Rey
     • Voldemort to Harry Potter
     • Joker to Batman in "The Dark Knight"
   • Characteristics:
     • Share several qualities with the hero.
     • Complement and highlight the hero's traits.
     • Create both external and internal conflicts.
   • Usage:
     • Assign parallel traits.
     • Challenge the hero’s sense of purpose, worldview, or morality.
     • Example: Joker forces Batman to confront his own rules.

2. Looming Threat Villain

   • Definition: Villains whose threat is constant but have limited presence.
   • Examples:
     • The Eye of Sauron
     • Zodiac Killer
     • "It Follows"
     • John Doe in "Seven"
   • Characteristics:
     • Rarely seen; their absence builds tension.
     • Focus on aftermath to show capabilities.
     • Use firsthand perspectives and ambiguity to build mythology.
     • Keep motives unclear to maintain anticipation and power.
   • Usage:
     • Keep the villain absent as much as possible.
     • Build their mythology through their actions and other characters’ experiences.
     • Example: Horror in "Seven" shown through aftermath and storytelling.

3. Villain Protagonist

   • Definition: Protagonists with villainous traits.
   • Examples:
     • Alex in "A Clockwork Orange"
     • Patrick Bateman in "American Psycho"
     • Tony Montana in "Scarface"
     • Daniel Plainview in "There Will Be Blood"
   • Characteristics:
     • Balance between sympathy and villainy.
     • Must possess a goal, antagonist, and character arc.
     • Negative change or fall arc often depicted.
   • Usage:
     • Give a complete character arc.
     • Balance sympathy and villainy.
     • Example: Daniel Plainview’s ambition leads to his downfall.

Important Considerations

• Overlapping Archetypes: Villains can fit multiple archetypes or defy expectations.
• Sympathy vs. Villainy: Important to maintain audience investment through a balance of redemptive qualities and villainous actions.
• Conclusion: This guide serves as a starting point. The approach to creating villains should be adaptable and innovative.