While some villains exult in being bad (Joker in Batman), many don't think of themselves as evil at all. In their own minds they are right, the heroes of their own stories. A dark moment for the "hero" may be a bright one for the "Shadow". (See demonization or villains as heroes opposite: here.) The arcs of their stories are mirror images: When the hero is up, the villain is down. It depends on point of view. By the time you are done writing a screenplay or novel, you should know your characters well enough that you can tell the story from the point of view of everyone: heroes, villains, sidekicks, lovers, allies, guardians, and lesser folk. Each is the hero of his own story (Thus, the reason for so many sequels and series.)
It's a good exercise to walk through the story at least once in the Shadow's skin. Or better yet, give your villain his/her own story. Make them your main character - the true hero of their own story. You can read my own version of this for FREE here: Broken Angel.
Who are some of your favorite villainous heroes?
13 comments:
I'd have to say probably Loki from Thor.
I agree with Chrystal. Loki from Thor. I also like the priests in Karse in the Valdemar books. As far as they were concerned, their religion was the right one. Some were fanatics, others genuinely believed that their god was the true one and wanted to share the word with everyone without ramming it down their throats. They're at war with the neighbouring kingdom of Valdemar for most of the early books.
Loki from Thor indeed. And the Evil Queen from Once Upon a Time is one of my favourites as well!
And thanks for dropping by on my blog!
http://www.seriouslydaph.com/
atoz
I completely love this idea and am going to try it with my current project! Thank you so much for an awesome V post!
I love those words... "The shadow's skin"
That's really cool.
The villain is often the hero in certain stories. There are cases where the hero gets into bad times that prompts the shift to the villain.Had a glimpse of Broken Angel but not read it yet. Reading a prose is refreshing a respite from all the frequent poetry of others. Will come back later. Wonderful write Sylvia and thanks for dropping by!
Hank
Dracula from Coppola's Dracula. Vincent Price in Theatre of Blood-great film-villains do bring spice
All villains are not always bad, they have good side to which sometimes twist the entire plot.
World Temple
That is a new perspective.
How I hated some villians..
Need to try this.
Busy blog hopping today as we near the end of #challenge. Admire your busy writing life that you mention in your About Me. Your theme for the month has been helpful to other writers. Many thanks.
Put me down as another vote for Loki. :) I also like Saladin from Molly Cochran and Warren Murphy's Arthur series.
This was some great food for thought on writing and characters. I never quite think about the villain being the hero in her own story. But it's true.
I enjoy Once Upon a Time, and Regina is my favorite villain at the moment. That actress does a great job. I also like the new wicked witch from Oz character. Another good one. :-)
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