A villain is, by definition, an evil or immoral character intent on harming others. In literature, these characters portray evil and immoral behavior while also providing readers with an antagonistic force or bad guy – a figure against whom to root.

They are often presented as self-serving or selfish, especially when it matters the most. Their own survival ultimately trumps everything else and can typically be a reason why they fail in the pursuit of their goal, while the hero succeeds in being willing to sacrifice everything for the same goal.

Villains can be motivated by greed or lust or pride, or self-preservation, or they could simply enjoy the act of hurting others. This is the simplest type of adversary because, technically speaking, they don’t need a motive to do what they do.

But giving them a reason for being who and what they are will add complexity to storylines, as they provide tension and difficulty for the heroes of stories, making them work harder for their goals.

Villains often have deep-seated motivations and reveal something about human nature, which makes them attractive for readers to analyze. Moreover, many villains have secrets and pasts that draw readers’s sympathy, adding complexity to the story.

In literature, villains create compelling stories through conflict and challenge traditional notions of morality, and this brings out strong emotions in readers.

What Are the Top 5 Types of Villains in Literature?

Though there are many villain archetypes, these are my top 5 picks:

The Trickster

The trickster villain, who relies on cleverness and manipulation, is one of literature’s top five types of villains.

Think of characters like the Joker, Loki, or the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland – they rely on deception and wicked cunning to get their way. 

The Trickster often makes a deal with the protagonist, appealing to their needs and desires, but the price for the agreement is always higher than the main character realizes. They’re an incredibly entertaining addition to books and movies, always finding ways to throw a monkey wrench into plans and add more excitement and drama.

They may seem infuriating initially, but eventually, their motives become clear – they are simply out to prove their brilliance and superiority over the hero. Most often driven by greed or jealousy, they typically want something from the main character that they would otherwise be unable to get on their own.

The Trickster is brilliant and fun but lacks a moral compass, and is thereby perfect for adding nuance and richness to the world of literature!

The Evil Overlord

For anyone familiar with the great works of literature throughout history, the iconic Evil Overlord has become a symbol in its own right for an antagonistic force that brings about destruction and chaos.

From J.R.R Tolkien’s Sauron to Count Dracula to Emperor Palpatine from Star Wars and the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz, this type of ultimate enemy stands out for their power and sagacity in crushing all who oppose them!

The Evil Overlord is among the most despicable of villains – one might even say they are evil incarnate. Typically offered with little backstory, their motives are nothing short of total domination, and they perform acts of evil because they can. They have no redeeming qualities, they fully embrace their nature, and they are driven only by their own selfish and impure desires.

As such, it’s often their unchecked hubris that proves to be their undoing through an act of extreme courage by the hero.

Having said that, the allure of evil overlords in literature remains as captivating as ever. This intelligent and ruthless character type presents a formidable challenge with their immense power and wicked cunning, making them a challenging foe for the hero to defeat.

Indeed, when these powerful villains are finally vanquished, it’s always cause for joy and celebration by the characters within the story.

The Bully

From power-hungry tyrants to heartless manipulators, villains in literature come in all shapes and sizes.

One of the most common types is the Bully – whose physical or emotional abuse threatens and intimidates their victims.

This villain allows readers to explore themes such as justice and to experience courage and sympathy by seeing how very human characters endure incredible hardship and prevail.

This is a universal archetype, as most people have had real-life experience with a bully figure. Audiences can relate, with fairly little explanation needed for them to understand why this character poses a threat.

Rather than using complex high-tech devices or mastermind plots – these villains’s strength lies in the power of their imposing words and actions. They have an inherent need to display their dominance over the main character through strength and cruelty to prove their superiority and mask their shortcomings and fragile egos.

Some famous examples include Draco Malfoy from the Harry Potter series, Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and Miss Trunchbull from Matilda.

The Corrupt Politician or Authority Figure

The Corrupt Politician or Authority Figure is a villainous character trope explored in many genres throughout literature.

From the wicked orphanage owner Miss Hannigan in Annie to the tyrannical Captain Bligh from Mutiny on the Bounty and Alonzo Harris in Training Day, these villains are often seen as morally bankrupt figures who may have started as decent people, but whose unchecked authority has corrupted them. They command an organization or institution with an iron fist and little remorse – seeking their own agenda while taking advantage of those they rule over.

As characters, they help build tension and drama, giving the protagonists clear-cut obstacles to overcome to achieve their desired goal while inspiring readers to explore tales of agency and justice.

The Equal

Not all villains are created equal, unless they are compared with the hero.

One of the top categories of villains is the Equal – often presented as the mirror image of the main character. They share the same skills, knowledge and/or savvy, but their ethics and morals are polar opposites.

Whereas the hero is ultimately presented as moral, brave and just, the Equal is often shown as immoral, cowardly, and deceptive. On paper, they have everything it takes to win the conflict, but their lack of compassion and unwillingness to sacrifice tends to be their undoing when it matters the most.

Unforgettable examples include General Zod in the Superman comics, Saruman in The Lord of the Rings, and Renee Belloq in Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Conclusion

There are dozens of different types of villains out there, each with their own quirks and motivations. As a writer, you get to find the most compelling villain type for your story. And as the saying goes, the hero is only as good as the villain.

After all, without a good villain or antagonistic force to drive the conflict, you can’t have a good story. So make yours memorable!

Do you have a favorite type of villain? Let us know in the comments below!

Neil Chase is an award-winning novelist, screenwriter, actor, and storytelling consultant with extensive experience in a variety of genres, including action, sci-fi, drama, horror, and comedy. Neil has won over 90 international writing awards and is most proud of winning the FilmMakers International Screenwriting Awards Grand Prize.

Neil’s screenplays have been produced for film and TV, and he is the author of the award-winning horror-western novel Iron Dogs.

When not working, he’s drawing inspiration from his amazing family, thinking up new worlds and adventures, and helping aspiring authors find the best tools for writing and follow their dream of writing something truly amazing.

You can find him on his website:  https://www.neilchasefilm.com or follow him on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Linkedin.

The post #5onFri: Top 5 Types of Villains in Literature appeared first on DIY MFA.

So when you pick up your laptop to write your novel, screenplay, or comic book, make sure to keep these tips in mind!

What is a Sidekick Character?

In literature and movies, a sidekick is a subordinate or supporting character who assists the main character in their quest. The sidekick is often less important than the hero, but provides them with comic relief and emotional support or allows the author to develop the story further through their interactions. They are often underestimated by the story’s antagonist but prove themselves to be valuable allies to the protagonist.

Sidekicks typically have fewer powers than the main character, but they make up for this with loyalty, inspiration, unique skills or knowledge, and often a good sense of humor. In many cases, the sidekick is also the main character’s close friend, which gives them an extra layer of depth and complexity.

This secondary character can often provide a different perspective to the story and highlight and explore the journey through their truth rather than that of the protagonist exclusively.

How To Write a Unique Sidekick Character – 7 Tips for Writers

Tip 1: Decide the sidekick’s role in the story.

Deciding on their role in the story is essential when creating a sidekick. Will they be the main character’s best friend, a pet, or a former rival? Offer wisdom or be a comedic foil?

This decision will help you determine the sidekick’s personality and how they will interact with the other characters in the story. It’s also important to consider what skills and abilities they have that can help the protagonist achieve their goals.

Tip 2: Decide on your sidekick’s backstory, motivation, and goals.

The best sidekick characters are the ones with the most interesting backstories. Take, for example, Batman’s classic sidekick, Robin.

Orphaned by criminals at a young age, Dick Grayson would have ended up far differently had Batman not taken him under his wing and shown him how to positively channel his anger and grief. Robin’s backstory mirrors Batman’s closely, yet it allows him to correct many of the missteps he made without a proper guide. The relationship gives them each a clear motivation and goal, in addition to fighting crime and protecting the innocent.

Crafting sidekicks with rich backstories helps to make them more three-dimensional and more intriguing.

When you’re thinking about your sidekick’s backstory, think about what would make them tick. What drives them? What are their goals and fears? Answering these questions will help you create a well-rounded character that your readers will love.

Tip 3: Despite being very different from the hero, they share many of the same qualities

A good sidekick is someone who is, in many ways, the total opposite of the hero, yet shares many of the same qualities. They help to create balance in the story and to provide a foil for the main character.

For example, if the hero is daring and impulsive, the sidekick might be cautious and level-headed. Or, if the hero is serious and brooding, the sidekick might be light-hearted and playful.

In either case, the sidekick provides a vital counterpoint to the hero’s personality. At the same time, however, they should also share many of the same qualities, such as being brave, loyal, and committed to fighting for what is right.

Take Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series. Unlike Harry, who is unkempt, athletic, and brash, Hermione is studious, thoughtful, and wise. And yet, both are kind, compassionate, and brave.

This shared sense of purpose helps to bring them together, even as their different personalities keep things interesting.

Ultimately, a well-crafted sidekick complements the hero’s strengths while also providing a unique perspective of their own.

Tip 4: Think about balance – make sure your sidekick does not overshadow the protagonist!

The best sidekick characters are the ones that help to round out the story and provide a counterbalance to the main character.

For example, in The Odd Couple, Felix Unger is the neat freak who is always in control, while Oscar Madison is the slob who’s always carefree. This dynamic between control and chaos helps to drive the story forward and gives both characters a chance to shine.

For a sidekick to be truly effective, they need to have their own distinct voice and relationships. Otherwise, they risk becoming little more than an extension of the protagonist.

The key is not to make them more interesting than the protagonist!

Tip 5: Create a subplot centered on the sidekick.

In any good story, the sidekick plays an important role. They provide comedic relief, offer support, and often have unique abilities that come in handy at crucial moments.

But it can also be helpful to center a subplot around the sidekick. This gives them a chance to shine and helps to tie them more closely to the main plot.

For example, in Star Wars, Han Solo is a rogue pilot who owes a great deal of money to the gangster Jabba the Hut. This propels him to help the Rebels purely for money and leave when they could use him the most, but he ultimately returns at a key moment thanks to his friendship with Luke.

So when creating a sidekick for your story, think about their smaller story and how they can help move the main plot along.

Tip 6: They are loyal, have a strong moral compass, and always stand up for their beliefs.

A true friend is someone who always has your back, no matter what. They are the ones you can rely on, no matter the situation. A sidekick should be loyal, always stand up for their beliefs, and have a strong moral compass.

One of the most notable sidekicks is Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings. Sam is fiercely loyal to Frodo Baggins, risking his own life time and again to protect his friend. He also has a strong sense of morality, refusing to give in to temptation even when it would mean saving his own skin.

Samwise Gamgee is the epitome of a great sidekick and provides an excellent example of how to write one!

Tip 7: Make the sidekick undergo character development over the course of the story

The best sidekick characters are the ones that undergo some growth over the course of the story. This can be a change in their personality, their relationship with the protagonist, or their arc in general.

For example, Bucky Barnes starts out as Captain America’s sidekick but undergoes a major character transformation after Hydra brainwashes him. This development makes him a more complex and interesting character, and it also gives the story more depth as the characters try to reconcile Bucky’s actions with their friendship.

This type of character development is what makes sidekicks so compelling, and it’s something that every writer should keep in mind when creating a sidekick character.

Conclusion: Sidekick Characters

Sidekick characters are often underutilized in stories, but they can be a powerful tool for developing your main character and moving the plot forward.

You can create a more well-rounded story with deeper themes and richer characterization by giving your sidekick a chance to shine! 

Neil Chase is an award-winning novelist, screenwriter, actor, and storytelling consultant, with extensive experience in a variety of genres, including action, sci-fi, drama, horror, and comedy. Neil has won over 90 international writing awards and is most proud of winning the FilmMakers International Screenwriting Awards Grand Prize.

Neil’s screenplays have been produced for film and TV, and he is the author of the award-winning horror-western novel Iron Dogs.

When not working, he’s drawing inspiration from his amazing family, thinking up new worlds and adventures, and helping aspiring authors find the best tools for writing and follow their dream of writing something truly amazing.

You can find him on his website:  https://www.neilchasefilm.com or follow him on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Linkedin.

The post Seven Tips to Create a Unique Sidekick Character appeared first on DIY MFA.