Villain Characters 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 Character’s Perspective

In the movie Goldfinger (1964), James Bond thinks and acts like a hero. But so does the chief villain character, 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

Several scenes remind audiences it’s difficult running an international smuggling operation, and even the most evil villain deserves his share of diversions.

Your Supporting Cast Members

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

Create Villains with this Free Character Template

The Trellis Method Bundle includes the paid version of Character Template with visual aids, Character Flaws Glossary, and detailed graphics.

However, if you want an example of what the combination of the workbook and prompt-driven worksheet can do for you, check out this free Character Template.

Use the detailed character profile to define your story’s cast and their backstories, giving readers what they crave—thoughts, speech, choices, and actions that convey realistic emotions and believable reactions.

Related Posts

• A Character Template to Help Busy Writers Solve the Writing Puzzle
• Dare to Create Unique Character Descriptions and Distinct Voices
• The Ultimate Free Character Template and Arc
• Develop Characters Using Enneagram Personality Types (Part 1)
• Develop Character Voices and Descriptions Using Enneagram Personality Types (Part 2)
• Self-edit Your Novel (Part 2)
• Organize Your Character Profiles
• Get the Free Character Template for Scrivener

Resources

• The Trellis Method: A Unique Writing System

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What process do you use to make sure your villain creates plenty of conflicts for your hero?

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