{EP. 14} How to Create a Fantasy Villain Your Readers Love to Hate Artwork

Writing the Broomstick

The podcast where you'll get your dose of magic and dash of writing advice all in one juicy elixir. Join a couple of authors in our ramblings about all-things fantasy, paranormal fiction, and magical realism. Our goal is to help you iron out your mystical world and open up the floor to a weird and witchy conversation. ★ Follow us @writingthebroom and get in touch: writingthebroomstick@gmail.com / writingthebroomstick.com ★ Hosts: Katrina Tortorici Anglehart (K.T. Anglehart) is a freelance editor and author of teen/YA urban fantasy "The Wise One"—the first of "The Scottish Scrolls" series. She enjoys laughing at her and Genny's shenanigans while trying desperately to maintain her composure. ★ @kt_anglehart | ktanglehart.com ★ Genevieve Methot is a freelance writer and emerging author of new adult fantasy trilogy "The Needle of Ingress" (release date TBD). She is often called out for being self-deprecating and breaking out in song during awkward moments. ★ @genny_met

All Episodes

Writing the Broomstick

{EP. 14} How to Create a Fantasy Villain Your Readers Love to Hate

June 23, 2021 • K.T. Anglehart & Genevieve Methot • Season 2 • Episode 4

Villains are people too! Well, sometimes. In today’s episode, we’re talking about those characters that your readers love to hate. From the worst of human nature to the best of supernatural species, every reader is looking for a good “bad guy”.

But sometimes, authors don’t always deliver. Either we don’t spend enough time unpacking that “crossroads moment” when the villain chose the path of darkness, or, as Katrina puts out, they’re just an amorphous blob with little personality, motivation, or reason. Being evil for evil’s sake gets kinda boring, ya know? Even if your character is the Devil himself, you can still craft a well-rounded, multidimensional, or even charming villain.

So, how do we turn your flat, not-so-villainous villain into the type of baddie that jumps from the page and makes your reader scream, cry, or throw the book across the room?

Here’s what we think:

Make your readers love them as much as they hate them
Make your villain memorable
Make them multi-dimensional
Make them charming as hell
Give your villain’s psychological disorder some insight

Take a listen to learn more about how to make your villain a real badass.

Recommended Readings

Writer’s Guide to Character Traits by Dr. Linda Edelstein

Sources

★ ★ ★

Let us know what you thought of our episode! You can reach us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or email writingthebroomstick@gmail.com.

Do you like Celtic folklore, YA urban fantasy, AND free stuff? Read the first three chapters of Katrina’s debut novel, “The Wise One”.

And, if you want to see what Genny’s reading lately, check out her Goodreads review page.