How to create a memorable villain?

In any kind of movie (be it a drama, a comedy, an action story or any other genre) the antagonist is as important, if not more so, than the protagonist.

And it is because the antagonist is the character in charge of starting the story and keeping it moving by creating conflict and devising obstacles and difficulties that prevent the protagonist from achieving his goal.

But if you write "good vs. bad," "hero vs. villain" scripts, it's even more necessary that you take care of your antagonist. Because in thrillers, horror movies and the like, the real star is very often the villain: Hannibal Lecter, Dracula, Norman Bates, Freddy Krueger...

Therefore, when you have a villain in your script, you have to take great care of him and, for this, you must take into account several points:

1. Make it an active character

If we have said that the antagonist is in charge of starting the story and keeping it moving, it is clear that he will have to be an active character, with initiatives of his own.

The protagonist can afford to be reactive (most of the time he is during the first two acts of the narrative), that is, he can simply react to the actions of the antagonist. But the latter needs to take the initiative, at least, during the first two acts.

The turning point that takes us from the second act to the third can be the moment in which the protagonist decides to become active, thereby forcing the antagonist to be reactive.

2. Give it its own plot

We can call it "counter-plot" since it opposes the main one led by the protagonist.

Working the plot of your villain well is essential if you want to achieve a consistent story, one that doesn't “water down”. Do not forget that it is the intention of the antagonist (to prevent the protagonist from getting what he wants) that makes the story possible.

3. Have clear goals

The villain's goals may be hidden from the viewer for much of the script to spark curiosity and interest, but they must be clear to you and your antagonist because that's the only way you can make them act coherently.

That your villain knows what he wants and why, although the protagonist and the spectator take time to find out.

4. Work well on his psychological profile so that he has a consistent behavior

Don't let your villain be a flat stereotype, give him individuality by turning him into a flesh and blood human being (or a monster with his own personality).

He may be evil or his actions may seem reprehensible to us, but they must be consistent. Hannibal Lecter's actions are terrible but he always acts within his own logic: he would eat his neighbor without a moment's hesitation, but he would never accompany his agape with a wine that is not suitable.

5. Not totally evil

No one is totally evil twenty-four hours a day. If you want your antagonist to be believable, give him some trait that humanizes him.

Even if your villain is a monster, keep in mind that monstrosity does not imply evil, but rather an inability to live with normality. Dracula does not drink the blood of his victims on a whim but needs it to survive, Freddy Krueger does not choose to kill, it is his nature that drives him to do so.

6. That he does not consider himself evil

We human beings are used to justifying our negative behaviors with thousands of excuses because, deep down, we all consider ourselves "good people" although, most likely, we will have hurt someone consciously or unconsciously. If you want your villain to be believable, make him tolerant of his own evil deeds.

7. What are his strengths, the ones that make him fearsome for the protagonist?

It is important that, when you work on the profile of your antagonist, you pay attention to everything that will turn it into a nightmare for the protagonist and that will make the viewer think that it is practically impossible to beat him. This will add suspense and tension to your story.

8. What are your weaknesses?

Although, at the beginning of the film and for much of it, the villain seems invincible, he must have some weak point, something that allows the protagonist to end up winning the game in a believable way.

Remember that the better your villain is, the more opportunities your hero will have to show off.

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