Genuinely compelling villains, although always too few, exist in fair abundance. Much more rare is a compelling villain who charts a convincing and satisfying redemption arc. Rarest of all is a compelling villain who, at the end of his satisfying redemption arc, does not promptly die. It grows predictable and, occasionally, rather bleak. Why can’t…
Tag: villains
Honors Villainy 312
(Because, coming off the election, we could all use a laugh.) Good morning. Or bad morning – whichever is most applicable to your day, and as you all know, I don’t care. First order of business, your tests. Observe, class, the newly empty seats. These belong to your former classmates, who have been dropped…
Help Wanted
Help Wanted Up-and-Coming Villain Seeks Competent Help Qualifications: Applicants must be committed individuals willing to invest themselves completely in world-changing enterprise. Intelligence, drive, and real-world skills required. All applicants will be tested for critical thinking skills. Example question: If you are pursuing an escaped hero, and you pass by trees, pillars, large boulders, unlocked closets,…
Character Profiles: The Suave Villain
What sharp little eyes you have, my dear. – Lord Archelaeus Burleigh, The Skin Map Archelaeus Burleigh was an earl – rich, refined, well-dressed, every inch an aristocrat. He was a great traveler, too, and a man of books. As may be expected, he was very reasonable, in the sense that he generally gave people…