How to Write a Complex Villain
48,971
Published 2022-07-06
This video discusses:
[1:02] Villain vs. Antivillain
[2:30] Writing a Strong Villain
[3:50] 4 Types of Complex Villains
[3:56] 1. Noble
[4:23] 2. Pitiable
[4:58] 3. Well-Meaning
[5:28] 4. Villain in Name Only
[6:07] 5 Tips to Creating an Effective Villain
[6:24] 1. Have a realistic and sympathetic backstory
[6:58] 2. Have strong motivations
[7:43] 3. Exhibit power
[8:13] 4. Force your protagonist to make difficult decisions
[8:53] 5. Cause the protagonist to grow
[9:19] Start Writing Better Villains
Click here for related videos and resources:
How to Create a Powerful Character Arc
How to Write A Novel: My Proven 12 Step Process
15 Characteristics of a Strong Villain (checklist)
What is an Antihero? How to Write an Unconventional Protagonist
Jerry Jenkins is the author of over 200 books, including 21 New York Times bestsellers. He’s passionate about helping writers grow to their full potential and have the best chance to see their writing published. Browse his archive of advice pulled from his nearly 50 years as a writer, editor, and publisher at www.jerryjenkins.com.
Become part of a community of writers like you on Jerry’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/jerry.b.jenkins
Need more help developing your characters? Check out Jerry's free Character Arc Worksheet! leveragecreative.lpages.co/character-arc-worksheet…
All Comments (21)
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I recently discovered that you're not done crafting your villain until you can switch and tell your story from the villain's perspective and have the protag be the villain. (But then switch back because the villain really is the bad guy)
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I was honestly looking for this, scary that you made it. Thanks Jerry.
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Every person is the hero of his or her own story. That applies most of all to bad persons in real life; thus, the key to beleivable antagonists in fiction. That's what I get from your insightful analysis. Thanks. This will improve my writing a lot.
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I'm far less advanced in the craft, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say that this isn't always true. Freddy Kreuger, Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, the Joker, all very effective villains. They're all primal, elemental evil. I know my examples are limited to horror movies and a comic book, but a villain doesn't always need to be humanized to be effective. To be clear, I'm not saying that complex villains are bad in any way, I'm just saying they're not the only way to go.
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Well-explained, Jerry. As I think back to my first book, my villain was basically a cardboard cut-out with a "Hello my name is 'bad guy'" label on his chest. As I revise for the next edition, I will add a background story to make my villain more relatable and his actions understandable.
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Villains don't always need redemptive qualties. Sauron and Emperor Palpatine are two of the most iconic characters. Neither of them have a single redeeming quality. Both of them are pure evil.
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I thank God I found you on YouTube, every time I watch a new video. I'm writing my first novel....."The CC Killer"
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You are always spot-on with your advice and explanations. Thank you for reaching out to motivate and elevate other writers! 🔥🎉💞
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Thank you so much! I’m working on a book and this villain advice was amazing! I’m trying to make a very complex villain so this really helped!
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Thank you for doing this and the email! Not just for the subject, but it’s great to hear about different story elements. Great work!
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I went in search of one video and have watched a number of yours. This made my mind wander into books and shows where the villain was gripping and made me ask why, which you answered here. This is some of the best videos on the craft of writing I've seen yet. Thank you so much for them.
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Thank you Mr. Jenkins! I learned a lot from you already and your videos ALWAYS motivate me to keep writing and to keep working on my skills as a writer.
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Thank you so much for this video. It has helped me organize a complex villan in a complex story. I will have to rewatch this video again, and may be third time. It is a great help because of your insight into why the complex villan works so well. Thank you again.
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Jerry - your insights are helpful to me.I had given my villian a backstory so readers will understand his motivations but hadn't made him likeable enough... doing the re-write starting today. Thank you.
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I subscribed in less than 2 minutes into the video. this is the kind of video I've been searching for. Thank you so Much!
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Outstanding pointers. You have taught me a great deal about polished, deep writing. Thank you, Jerry
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Thanks very much, Jerry! Love your emails, tips, and videos!
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Yes, awesome tips Jerry. I think I did about half off that while I was writing when I realised I needed to give him a background story and not make him 'disgusting'. Up to now he has a motivation, he's handsome and smart. Getting him and my main character on the same level is the hardest part 😅
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This video was very helpful! Thank you for making it! Have a great day! And take care!
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The advice you give is so golden, I feel I should be paying for it. Thank you!
