3 Tips How To Write a BIG Villain with a Small Story Arc
3 Tricks How To Write a BIG Villain with a Small Story Arc
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Some writers think that in order for their villain to be dynamic, interesting and leave a big mark, they have to experience a big change in their story.
This is not completely true.
Your villain does not have to have a giant story arc to make waves.
And we no longer have to fall under the assumption that our main protagonist is the main reason our readers like our story. That idea bubble has been popped.
Think the Joker, Loki, The Shining, venom, these are just a few villainess characters that have drawn large audiences over and over again over their favorable hero counterparts.
Another story idea we have put to pasture is the idea that in order for villains to be interesting they have to have big story arcs.
Take the Joker for example. When the Joker shows up in the Dark Knight Movie we see him only in particular moments.
He does very specific tasks and then vanishes: robs a bank, kills people, escapes in a clever way, meets with mobsters, hands them their lunch and burns their money.
The story doesn’t have a long story arc in these films, just very strategic, specific moments and audiences everywhere loved it.
So keep this fact in mind: Your character doesn’t have to have a large story arc to be loved by readers. They just have to have very planned out moments; moments done well.
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3 Tips How To Write a BIG Villain with a Small Story Arc:
# 1 Tips How To Write a BIG Villain with a Small Story Arc: Be strategic with what your villain does when they show up.
If you want your villain to have a big impact with readers, make sure that when they appear they make a good impression.
Do you want them to be SUPER EVIL?
Make them do something extremely sinister and make them disappear out of the antagonist’s reach.
Do you want them to be loved?
Make them do something mischevious but fun.
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# 2 Tips How To Write a BIG Villain with a Small Story Arc: Your reader doesn’t have to see your villain change.
A common misconception would be that your villain has to experience a big change in order to be an interesting character that readers care about.
This is especially not true with villains.
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Protagonists sometimes need a major change in order to be interesting, but villains can be more enjoyable if they hold true to their convictions.
# 3 Tips How To Write a BIG Villain with a Small Story Arc: Make sure your villain will do anything to reach their goal.
Villains don’t have to be good at what they do. They don’t have to be genius but they must be willing to do anything to accomplish their goal.
Make it clear that they are willing to sacrifice others and even “close” relationships to get the job done.
If they need to survive, write that they are willing to consume anyone to survive.
If the goal is to “save the world,” they are willing to kill half of it in order to “save” it. (thanks Thanos)
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I hope this helps you create more interesting villains in your stories with a big impact!
Now get out there and write something!
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