Emily Krajci asked Christopher Paolini:

This is an aspiring writer distress call: How does one write a diabolical villain that isn't cliche?? That's probably a bit of a loaded question without context. I have ideas for a betrayal between characters that could make a great villain later, but I need an actual mastermind/group of baddies. The main plot point hinges on foul play going on behind the scenes. Any advice or books about writing villains? Thanks!

Christopher Paolini The main trick to writing villains is to remember that they never see themselves as the villain. Everyone is the hero of their own story. So (a) put some thought into how this villain would justify their villainous actions. And (b) give them something to care about. Maybe they are a horrible, murdering traitor, but hey — they bring their mother tea and biscuits every weekend, and boy, you should see them playing with kittens! This will humanize your villain and make them seem more like the complex and three-dimensional person they really are.

flag