Writing Tip of the Day-Villains

Genre fiction tales which have a recognizable villain, including romance novels, are stories about the triumph of good over evil. Recognizing and using this truth can lead to a stronger story.

"Death ends all things and so is the comprehensive conclusion of a story, but marriage finishes it very properly too and the sophisticated are ill-advised to sneer at what is by convention termed a happy ending."~W. Somerset Maugham

Writing Tip of the Day-Villains

Politically correct attitudes can make it difficult to find an acceptable villain. Be aware of the danger and avoid using any person or thing that may push the hot buttons of readers. Controversy works against the essential romantic fantasy.

Writing Tip of the Day-Villains

Physical description and mental attitude for the antagonist should be as well thought out and realized as that for the hero and heroine. The power of your story can be enhanced by the power of your villain.

Writing Tip of the Day-Villains

Your villain should be given a background, back story and personal goal which provide clear motivation for his/her actions. To do less can result in an annoyingly flat portrayal, or the classic "cardboard" character.

Writing Tip of the Day-Villains

The jealous or conniving woman as villainess, the so-called "witch with a B", has been so overdone in romance novels that it's a cliché. Avoid using her unless you have a brilliant idea for making her character and/or motivation unusual.

Writing Tip of the Day-Villains

Avoid traditional villain stereotypes; you want a strong antagonist, not a caricature. The actions of the most evil person usually have logic within his or her mental framework.

Writing Tip of the Day-Villains

The hero can serve as the antagonist, particularly in shorter, category romance, if something in his part or present forms an insurmountable obstacle to the accomplishment of the heroine’s external goal.

Writing Tip of the Day-Villains

A mentor or friend can serve as the antagonist in romance fiction. Well-meant advice or benign motivation with unfortunate results can prevent the heroine from achieving her goal just as effectively as villainous intent.