As an author, how do you feel when writing villains who commit crimes or immoral acts?

[autumnsugar]

It's actually pretty fun imo! Having a character with different morals than my own makes for an interesting time while writing

 

[TinaMigarlo]

It's actually pretty fun imo! Having a character with different morals than my own makes for an interesting time while writing

I agreee. My one recurring MC, its kind of liberating that he's good at hurting and taking human life. I think a morally good character doing otherwise despoicable things (wrong thing for the right reason), is a catharsis of some kind. I mean, who doesn't get the stray thought. Man, how cool would it be to rob a bank and get away with it. We wouldn't DO it, but its a fun thought. KIlling those that deserve it, is another one. We know we can't or won't, but it satisfies some human urge we suppress to call ourselves civilized.

 

[Omarfaruq]

I mean, as authors, we certainly have moral/human values that we uphold in real life. However, when we write a conflict narrative through villain antagonists, we're forced to depict acts of crime or immorality that often run counter to our ethical values. So, how do you feel about it?

My story is comedy oriented so it's not a problem for me.

 

[Everrealm]

I mean, as authors, we certainly have moral/human values that we uphold in real life. However, when we write a conflict narrative through villain antagonists, we're forced to depict acts of crime or immorality that often run counter to our ethical values. So, how do you feel about it?

As a reader, I’ve always felt that villains are often where a story’s honesty shows up most clearly. Writing about immoral or criminal acts doesn’t bother me when it feels purposeful and grounded in character, rather than done for shock value.


I don’t need to agree with a villain to be interested in them. What matters to me is whether their actions feel understood by the story, even if they’re condemned by it. When a writer is willing to explore uncomfortable motivations or consequences instead of softening them, it usually makes the world feel more real.


The villains that stay with me aren’t the most cruel ones, but the ones whose choices make sense within their own logic, even when those choices are wrong. As a reader, that tension is often what gives the story weight.

 

[Empire145]

Rather than how unforgivable his crimes were, I care more about whether the logic behind his crimes and the methods he used were consistent with his character. In fact, if you find his logic understandable or even somewhat acceptable, then you can freely write your plot.

 

[Rachel_Leia_Cole]

I feel like it’s just a plot device. It doesn’t represent my worldview. That being said, I never write the all out bad for bad’s sake villain. There is always a catalyst for how they act. My main villain was originally a misguided person who chose the wrong path in life, and got in too deep.

 

[DionysusWriter]

It surprises me that there's a trend in film and literature in general of seeing villains as being defined by their history and context. In that sense, I love Frieren because he challenges that notion and says no: demons are predators; they pretend to want to talk, but it's all a ruse to end up committing their terrible crimes.

I think that kind of "villain" is much more interesting than one justified by their backstory. And much more challenging to develop.