What makes a villain in literature?
A villain is the antagonist of your story whose motivations and actions oppose the protagonist and drive the plot of your story. A villain is the opposite of a hero. In contrast to the hero, a villain is usually compelled by a desire to commit acts of cruelty and immorality.
What are some general characteristics of heroes and villains?
Characteristics of a hero: good, kind, honest, brave, hopeful, selfless, wise, leader, protective, loyal. Characteristics of a villain: evil, cunning, cruel, manipulative, murderer, apathetic, genius, disloyal, vindictive, liar.
What defines a villain?
1 : a character in a story or play who opposes the hero. 2 : a deliberate scoundrel or criminal.
David Nilsen is the former editor of Fourth & Sycamore. He is a member of the National Book Critics Circle. You can find more of his writing on his website at davidnilsenwriter.com and follow him on Twitter as @NilsenDavid.