What makes a villain memorable? It’s not the black cloak, the evil laugh, or even the body count. It’s the reason behind it all.
In fantasy, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of the one-note villain — the Big Bad who does bad things just because they’re evil. But if you want your story to stand out, your antagonist needs just as much depth as your protagonist. Maybe more.
The Villain Believes They’re the Hero
The best villains don’t twirl their mustaches and call themselves evil. They believe they’re right. They believe they’re saving the world — or at least doing what needs to be done. Maybe they see your hero as a naïve idealist. Maybe they have a vision of a better world, and they’re willing to make hard choices your protagonist refuses to make.
Give your villain a worldview. Make it make sense — even if it horrifies your readers.
Motivation Is Key
What does your antagonist want? Power is a common answer, but it’s often a shortcut. Why do they want power? Are they trying to reclaim control after a lifetime of being helpless? Do they believe only they can fix a broken system? Or are they trying to protect someone, even if it means burning the world?
The deeper the motivation, the stronger the conflict.
The Hero-Villain Mirror
A truly compelling antagonist reflects something about your protagonist. They’re often two sides of the same coin — similar goals, different methods. When done well, this contrast deepens both characters and gives your story moral complexity. The reader should wonder, What if the hero had made one different choice?
That tension is where great storytelling lives.
Let Them Be Human
Give your villain small moments of humanity. Let them grieve. Let them laugh. Let them love. A villain who shows tenderness in one scene and cruelty in the next is far more chilling — and believable — than one who’s evil all the time.
Nuance isn’t weakness. It’s realism.
In the End…
You don’t need your readers to like your villain — but you should aim for understanding. A good antagonist leaves your audience unsettled, thoughtful, and maybe even a little conflicted.
Because sometimes, the scariest villains aren’t monsters.
They’re just people.
