Villain Characters Are Heroes in Their Stories

Villains Are Heroes in Their Stories

Years ago, I read where villain characters see themselves as heroes in their own stories. I never appreciated the importance of this concept until I began writing from multiple points of view.

Your Villain’s Perspective

In the movie Goldfinger, James Bond thinks and acts like a hero. But so does the chief villain, Auric Goldfinger.

There are many memorable scenes. I love where the evil nemesis bound the British agent to a gold slab and played slice and dice using a giant industrial laser.

As the beam inched closer, Bond’s head pivoted up from the burning metal toward Goldfinger. “Do you expect me to talk?”

Goldfinger stopped his departure and faced 007. “No, Mr. Bond. I expect you to die.”

The scenes leading up to that moment showed how Goldfinger enjoyed a multidimensional life beyond his love of gold:

  • cards
  • relationships
  • golf
  • travel
  • work

The film reminded audiences it’s difficult running an international smuggling operation, and even the most evil villain deserved his share of diversions.

Your Supporting Cast Members

Besides villains, consider how supporting cast members star as heroes in their stories. Open up exciting possibilities in your stories by using their star perspectives to shape how they think, talk, and act.

Get Your Free Character Template

Download your free Character Template at Tame Your Book. Use this Scrivener template to define your story’s cast, giving readers what they crave—thoughts, speech, choices, and actions that convey emotions from realistic characters.

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