Anne here, and today I'm responding to a question that Annette N. sent in — and for that she will receive a free book. Thanks, Annette.
Her question was: "Is it hard to write characters you don't like? Do you run into people in your stories who simply are not someone you want to know well? I can see enjoying writing characters who are fun and charming and simply nice people. But, how difficult is it to spend time with someone you dislike — a lot? And if they are supposed to be villainous, how evil do you make them?"
I like to have a variety of characters in my books — it makes for a more realistic setting — so invariably there are some unlikable characters. I think if everyone were nice in a book, it would get boring.
Unlikable characters, nasty or just difficult people, and outright villains are grist to a storyteller's mill. They can make a story more interesting or exciting, and when you have your hero or heroine come up against them, whether it's an imperious dowager, a waspish society shrew, or an evil villain lurking behind a smooth facade, confronting them brings out aspects of the hero or heroine's character that might not otherwise take place. (I'm not saying that Maggie Smith's dowager countess is unlikable — indeed most of us love her — but she is difficult, and doesn't that add to our enjoyment?)
To be honest, I generally enjoy writing the nasty ones — it's a nice break from writing characters I want readers to love. I can have fun with them. For instance I often include lovable and eccentric old ladies in my books, but in my Convenient Marriage series it was fun to have an old lady, Aunt Agatha, who was a right old tartar.
For instance when the soldier hero asks for her help with his orphaned young half-sisters she writes this:
My dear Ashendon
I received your letter—and what a piece of impertinence it was! Do you imagine I have nothing better to do than to rush down to Bath—of all dreary and unfashionable places—to relieve you of your responsibilities? Do you think I have no life of my own? They are your half sisters—deal with them. I said no good would come of your father’s second marriage—no fool like an old fool—and now, see how right I was.
Your loving aunt,
Agatha, Lady Salter
Later Aunt Agatha greets George, her newly-discovered great niece, with blunt criticism — and George retorts in a typical George manner.
She watched critically as they hastily curtseyed, and snorted when they were finished. “You, gel at the end, where did you learn to curtsey? You’re about as graceful as a bear.”
George lifted her chin. “Thank you,” she said. “I like bears.”
The old lady stiffened. “Cheek! I suppose you’re Henry’s bastard.”
George clenched her fists. Emm placed a soothing hand on George’s shoulder and said, “This is Lady Georgiana Rutherford, your nephew Henry’s perfectly legitimate daughter. Tragically lost to the family for some years, but we’re thrilled to have her here, where she belongs—with us—aren’t we, girls?”
Aunt Agatha continues to be critical and scathing, but Emm, our heroine, is more than a match for her, and refuses to be bullied. She meets rudeness with clever and unsquashable politeness — and ends up the victor in every verbal skirmish, eventually earning the old lady's reluctant respect. For instance, in this exchange:
Lady Salter sniffed and glanced at the girls. She pointed her lorgnette at Lily. “That one could do without her luncheon. Put her on a reducing diet—potatoes boiled in vinegar was what did it for Byron. Give her nothing but potatoes in vinegar for a month; then she might look—”
Emm put her arm around Lily. “Nonsense,” she said briskly. “Lily is a beautiful girl and we love her just exactly the way she is. I would no more think of putting her on a reducing diet than”—she smiled sweetly—“trying to fatten you up, after your long illness.”
“What illness? I’ve never been ill a day in my life.”
“Oh?” said Emm with false sympathy. “I thought you must have been ill. So many recovering invalids are excessively thin and crabby and bad-tempered. I’m so glad it’s not illness that has caused it.”
The old lady’s flinty gray eyes narrowed, her thin bosom swelled and Emm decided to get the girls out of the way before the explosion came.
Writing that kind of duel of manners is fun. But as the old saying goes, "to know all is to understand all," and sometimes an initially nasty character can grow on you. Toward the end of that book, and series, we'd started to know Aunt Agatha and a bit about her background, and I, and some readers, had become quite fond of the old dragon. Some readers even wrote to ask for her to be given a romantic happy ending.
I also enjoy giving the occasional heroine one or two dreadful and persistent suitors — pompous bores, excessively vain peacocks, righteous prigs — men with deeply unattractive personalities. (Mr Collins, anyone?) Watching the heroine — and the hero— deal with these fellows is entertaining and informative.
As for villains, they can range from "bad eggs" to out-and-out villains. The challenge there is firstly to try to make them real instead of a caricature or "stock villain" while still showing them as truly villainous. And it's fascinating trying to work out what makes them tick — because a writer needs to work out the backstory of the baddies just as much as the goodies. Motivation is all. A good villain can be a real asset to a story.
The other challenge is to give each villain an ending they deserve—and make it different for each one. I try to come up with a punishment that fits the crime, and they've ranged from death to banishment, or some other more particular and fitting fate. I've had a couple die by convenient accident — I can't have the hero or heroine commit murder, nor do I want my characters to have a trial hanging over their heads — but you can't repeat that plot event too often. So finding the right punishment is a new challenge with each villain. (Photo on the left by Jon Tyson on Unsplash)
Conflict is at the heart of all good fiction and stories in which everyone was nice would end up being dull, I think. The friction between our "nice" characters and the not-so-nice ones makes for fun fiction, and sometimes good drama. I hope that answers your question, Annette.
And here's a question for readers: can you think of a villain in fiction who was really memorable? What was it about him/her that grabbed your imagination? What do you think the book would be like without the villain?
I don’t think you can have a great story without an unlikeable character. If everyone in the story is likeable through the whole thing, the story, for me anyway, is pretty boring. On the other hand, there are stories where all the characters are impossible to like and that’s just as bad. Hubs and I just got done watching a series on Netflix based on a book and if the series is any indication of the book, I can’t imagine why the book got such rave reviews. Everyone in the series was horrible. There wasn’t one character with a redeeming quality and the main character was the epitome of TSTL!
I enjoyed Aunt Agatha from the start. She was the perfect foil for Emm and I knew by the end that Emm would win her over. But you wrote her so well, you knew her crust came from her loneliness and she secretly found the girls a delight even though she could never divulge that. I think it’s harder to write a character like that than to write one who has no redeeming qualities.
I don’t think you can have a great story without an unlikeable character. If everyone in the story is likeable through the whole thing, the story, for me anyway, is pretty boring. On the other hand, there are stories where all the characters are impossible to like and that’s just as bad. Hubs and I just got done watching a series on Netflix based on a book and if the series is any indication of the book, I can’t imagine why the book got such rave reviews. Everyone in the series was horrible. There wasn’t one character with a redeeming quality and the main character was the epitome of TSTL!
I enjoyed Aunt Agatha from the start. She was the perfect foil for Emm and I knew by the end that Emm would win her over. But you wrote her so well, you knew her crust came from her loneliness and she secretly found the girls a delight even though she could never divulge that. I think it’s harder to write a character like that than to write one who has no redeeming qualities.
I don’t think you can have a great story without an unlikeable character. If everyone in the story is likeable through the whole thing, the story, for me anyway, is pretty boring. On the other hand, there are stories where all the characters are impossible to like and that’s just as bad. Hubs and I just got done watching a series on Netflix based on a book and if the series is any indication of the book, I can’t imagine why the book got such rave reviews. Everyone in the series was horrible. There wasn’t one character with a redeeming quality and the main character was the epitome of TSTL!
I enjoyed Aunt Agatha from the start. She was the perfect foil for Emm and I knew by the end that Emm would win her over. But you wrote her so well, you knew her crust came from her loneliness and she secretly found the girls a delight even though she could never divulge that. I think it’s harder to write a character like that than to write one who has no redeeming qualities.
I don’t think you can have a great story without an unlikeable character. If everyone in the story is likeable through the whole thing, the story, for me anyway, is pretty boring. On the other hand, there are stories where all the characters are impossible to like and that’s just as bad. Hubs and I just got done watching a series on Netflix based on a book and if the series is any indication of the book, I can’t imagine why the book got such rave reviews. Everyone in the series was horrible. There wasn’t one character with a redeeming quality and the main character was the epitome of TSTL!
I enjoyed Aunt Agatha from the start. She was the perfect foil for Emm and I knew by the end that Emm would win her over. But you wrote her so well, you knew her crust came from her loneliness and she secretly found the girls a delight even though she could never divulge that. I think it’s harder to write a character like that than to write one who has no redeeming qualities.
I don’t think you can have a great story without an unlikeable character. If everyone in the story is likeable through the whole thing, the story, for me anyway, is pretty boring. On the other hand, there are stories where all the characters are impossible to like and that’s just as bad. Hubs and I just got done watching a series on Netflix based on a book and if the series is any indication of the book, I can’t imagine why the book got such rave reviews. Everyone in the series was horrible. There wasn’t one character with a redeeming quality and the main character was the epitome of TSTL!
I enjoyed Aunt Agatha from the start. She was the perfect foil for Emm and I knew by the end that Emm would win her over. But you wrote her so well, you knew her crust came from her loneliness and she secretly found the girls a delight even though she could never divulge that. I think it’s harder to write a character like that than to write one who has no redeeming qualities.
Anne, what a wonderful explanation of the awful but necessary characters we have to create! I tend to make my villains REALLY awful so I won’t mind disposing of them one way or another, but it’s kind of wimpy of me. *G*
Anne, what a wonderful explanation of the awful but necessary characters we have to create! I tend to make my villains REALLY awful so I won’t mind disposing of them one way or another, but it’s kind of wimpy of me. *G*
Anne, what a wonderful explanation of the awful but necessary characters we have to create! I tend to make my villains REALLY awful so I won’t mind disposing of them one way or another, but it’s kind of wimpy of me. *G*
Anne, what a wonderful explanation of the awful but necessary characters we have to create! I tend to make my villains REALLY awful so I won’t mind disposing of them one way or another, but it’s kind of wimpy of me. *G*
Anne, what a wonderful explanation of the awful but necessary characters we have to create! I tend to make my villains REALLY awful so I won’t mind disposing of them one way or another, but it’s kind of wimpy of me. *G*
Thank you, Anne, for your thoughtful post. And thank you, Annette N., for asking your question. Aunt Agatha sounds like a fun character to write…and to read.
Thank you, Anne, for your thoughtful post. And thank you, Annette N., for asking your question. Aunt Agatha sounds like a fun character to write…and to read.
Thank you, Anne, for your thoughtful post. And thank you, Annette N., for asking your question. Aunt Agatha sounds like a fun character to write…and to read.
Thank you, Anne, for your thoughtful post. And thank you, Annette N., for asking your question. Aunt Agatha sounds like a fun character to write…and to read.
Thank you, Anne, for your thoughtful post. And thank you, Annette N., for asking your question. Aunt Agatha sounds like a fun character to write…and to read.
I think villains and other unlikable characters are great fun to write. They get to say all the rude and nasty things that you try to keep from saying yourself. *G*
I think villains and other unlikable characters are great fun to write. They get to say all the rude and nasty things that you try to keep from saying yourself. *G*
I think villains and other unlikable characters are great fun to write. They get to say all the rude and nasty things that you try to keep from saying yourself. *G*
I think villains and other unlikable characters are great fun to write. They get to say all the rude and nasty things that you try to keep from saying yourself. *G*
I think villains and other unlikable characters are great fun to write. They get to say all the rude and nasty things that you try to keep from saying yourself. *G*
I don’t have a favorite memorable villain. I do like it when they are not totally evil, although I know in some cases that is what is called for. Same with just plain unlikable characters. Like to see a little good or some humor there. BTW, I too think Aunt Agatha was perfect.
It is always interesting to see how you writers “make the magic”.
I don’t have a favorite memorable villain. I do like it when they are not totally evil, although I know in some cases that is what is called for. Same with just plain unlikable characters. Like to see a little good or some humor there. BTW, I too think Aunt Agatha was perfect.
It is always interesting to see how you writers “make the magic”.
I don’t have a favorite memorable villain. I do like it when they are not totally evil, although I know in some cases that is what is called for. Same with just plain unlikable characters. Like to see a little good or some humor there. BTW, I too think Aunt Agatha was perfect.
It is always interesting to see how you writers “make the magic”.
I don’t have a favorite memorable villain. I do like it when they are not totally evil, although I know in some cases that is what is called for. Same with just plain unlikable characters. Like to see a little good or some humor there. BTW, I too think Aunt Agatha was perfect.
It is always interesting to see how you writers “make the magic”.
I don’t have a favorite memorable villain. I do like it when they are not totally evil, although I know in some cases that is what is called for. Same with just plain unlikable characters. Like to see a little good or some humor there. BTW, I too think Aunt Agatha was perfect.
It is always interesting to see how you writers “make the magic”.
They said in my lit courses that the quality of the hero is measured by the magnitude of the enemy he faces. No glory in defeating someone way weaker than you are. So villains are very important. While I do not approve of the Marvel practice of reviving villains who’ve been defeated or killed off multiple times, the villain needs to be someone who isn’t a pushover, or that weakens the hero. So I am always disappointed by stories in which the villain is dealt with offstage and the hero has little or no part in his defeat. Straw villains, straw heroes.
**Spoilers if you haven’t read the book**
The most memorable villain I can think of is Win Bowen, the serial rapist in Mary Balogh’s Secrets of the Heart. He is plausible (thought to be a wonderful guy by all except his victims), he is insidious (everybody believes him), he is completely heartless (that maid is nothing to him), and when it comes to being believed, our heroine knows she doesn’t stand a chance against his polished persona. He receives a satisfying punishment which will pretty much prevent his running his games in future. Justice 🙂
They said in my lit courses that the quality of the hero is measured by the magnitude of the enemy he faces. No glory in defeating someone way weaker than you are. So villains are very important. While I do not approve of the Marvel practice of reviving villains who’ve been defeated or killed off multiple times, the villain needs to be someone who isn’t a pushover, or that weakens the hero. So I am always disappointed by stories in which the villain is dealt with offstage and the hero has little or no part in his defeat. Straw villains, straw heroes.
**Spoilers if you haven’t read the book**
The most memorable villain I can think of is Win Bowen, the serial rapist in Mary Balogh’s Secrets of the Heart. He is plausible (thought to be a wonderful guy by all except his victims), he is insidious (everybody believes him), he is completely heartless (that maid is nothing to him), and when it comes to being believed, our heroine knows she doesn’t stand a chance against his polished persona. He receives a satisfying punishment which will pretty much prevent his running his games in future. Justice 🙂
They said in my lit courses that the quality of the hero is measured by the magnitude of the enemy he faces. No glory in defeating someone way weaker than you are. So villains are very important. While I do not approve of the Marvel practice of reviving villains who’ve been defeated or killed off multiple times, the villain needs to be someone who isn’t a pushover, or that weakens the hero. So I am always disappointed by stories in which the villain is dealt with offstage and the hero has little or no part in his defeat. Straw villains, straw heroes.
**Spoilers if you haven’t read the book**
The most memorable villain I can think of is Win Bowen, the serial rapist in Mary Balogh’s Secrets of the Heart. He is plausible (thought to be a wonderful guy by all except his victims), he is insidious (everybody believes him), he is completely heartless (that maid is nothing to him), and when it comes to being believed, our heroine knows she doesn’t stand a chance against his polished persona. He receives a satisfying punishment which will pretty much prevent his running his games in future. Justice 🙂
They said in my lit courses that the quality of the hero is measured by the magnitude of the enemy he faces. No glory in defeating someone way weaker than you are. So villains are very important. While I do not approve of the Marvel practice of reviving villains who’ve been defeated or killed off multiple times, the villain needs to be someone who isn’t a pushover, or that weakens the hero. So I am always disappointed by stories in which the villain is dealt with offstage and the hero has little or no part in his defeat. Straw villains, straw heroes.
**Spoilers if you haven’t read the book**
The most memorable villain I can think of is Win Bowen, the serial rapist in Mary Balogh’s Secrets of the Heart. He is plausible (thought to be a wonderful guy by all except his victims), he is insidious (everybody believes him), he is completely heartless (that maid is nothing to him), and when it comes to being believed, our heroine knows she doesn’t stand a chance against his polished persona. He receives a satisfying punishment which will pretty much prevent his running his games in future. Justice 🙂
They said in my lit courses that the quality of the hero is measured by the magnitude of the enemy he faces. No glory in defeating someone way weaker than you are. So villains are very important. While I do not approve of the Marvel practice of reviving villains who’ve been defeated or killed off multiple times, the villain needs to be someone who isn’t a pushover, or that weakens the hero. So I am always disappointed by stories in which the villain is dealt with offstage and the hero has little or no part in his defeat. Straw villains, straw heroes.
**Spoilers if you haven’t read the book**
The most memorable villain I can think of is Win Bowen, the serial rapist in Mary Balogh’s Secrets of the Heart. He is plausible (thought to be a wonderful guy by all except his victims), he is insidious (everybody believes him), he is completely heartless (that maid is nothing to him), and when it comes to being believed, our heroine knows she doesn’t stand a chance against his polished persona. He receives a satisfying punishment which will pretty much prevent his running his games in future. Justice 🙂
Thanks so much for your kind comments about Aunt Agatha, Theo.
As for the stories where all the characters are unlikable, I agree with you — I can’t be bothered with them. I need to have characters I’m cheering for, even if they’re badly flawed. An example is the character Fitz (played by Robbie Coltrane) in the TV series Cracker. His character was so very flawed, but I empathized with him, and kept on hoping he’d succeed and not shoot himself in the foot (metaphorically) again, even though I knew he would.
Thanks so much for your kind comments about Aunt Agatha, Theo.
As for the stories where all the characters are unlikable, I agree with you — I can’t be bothered with them. I need to have characters I’m cheering for, even if they’re badly flawed. An example is the character Fitz (played by Robbie Coltrane) in the TV series Cracker. His character was so very flawed, but I empathized with him, and kept on hoping he’d succeed and not shoot himself in the foot (metaphorically) again, even though I knew he would.
Thanks so much for your kind comments about Aunt Agatha, Theo.
As for the stories where all the characters are unlikable, I agree with you — I can’t be bothered with them. I need to have characters I’m cheering for, even if they’re badly flawed. An example is the character Fitz (played by Robbie Coltrane) in the TV series Cracker. His character was so very flawed, but I empathized with him, and kept on hoping he’d succeed and not shoot himself in the foot (metaphorically) again, even though I knew he would.
Thanks so much for your kind comments about Aunt Agatha, Theo.
As for the stories where all the characters are unlikable, I agree with you — I can’t be bothered with them. I need to have characters I’m cheering for, even if they’re badly flawed. An example is the character Fitz (played by Robbie Coltrane) in the TV series Cracker. His character was so very flawed, but I empathized with him, and kept on hoping he’d succeed and not shoot himself in the foot (metaphorically) again, even though I knew he would.
Thanks so much for your kind comments about Aunt Agatha, Theo.
As for the stories where all the characters are unlikable, I agree with you — I can’t be bothered with them. I need to have characters I’m cheering for, even if they’re badly flawed. An example is the character Fitz (played by Robbie Coltrane) in the TV series Cracker. His character was so very flawed, but I empathized with him, and kept on hoping he’d succeed and not shoot himself in the foot (metaphorically) again, even though I knew he would.
Mary Jo, a really awful villain is such fun to dispose of and I don’t think it’s wimpy of you at all. We need our villains to get their come-uppance — and, most importantly, not to be able to come back and cause more trauma to our hero and heroine. It’s just tricky coming up with new ways to do that.
Mary Jo, a really awful villain is such fun to dispose of and I don’t think it’s wimpy of you at all. We need our villains to get their come-uppance — and, most importantly, not to be able to come back and cause more trauma to our hero and heroine. It’s just tricky coming up with new ways to do that.
Mary Jo, a really awful villain is such fun to dispose of and I don’t think it’s wimpy of you at all. We need our villains to get their come-uppance — and, most importantly, not to be able to come back and cause more trauma to our hero and heroine. It’s just tricky coming up with new ways to do that.
Mary Jo, a really awful villain is such fun to dispose of and I don’t think it’s wimpy of you at all. We need our villains to get their come-uppance — and, most importantly, not to be able to come back and cause more trauma to our hero and heroine. It’s just tricky coming up with new ways to do that.
Mary Jo, a really awful villain is such fun to dispose of and I don’t think it’s wimpy of you at all. We need our villains to get their come-uppance — and, most importantly, not to be able to come back and cause more trauma to our hero and heroine. It’s just tricky coming up with new ways to do that.
Thanks, Kareni, glad you enjoyed the post.
Thanks, Kareni, glad you enjoyed the post.
Thanks, Kareni, glad you enjoyed the post.
Thanks, Kareni, glad you enjoyed the post.
Thanks, Kareni, glad you enjoyed the post.
Yes, Lil — and your characters get to come up with all those clever and pithy put-downs that in real life you only think of hours after your real-life exchange. *g*
Yes, Lil — and your characters get to come up with all those clever and pithy put-downs that in real life you only think of hours after your real-life exchange. *g*
Yes, Lil — and your characters get to come up with all those clever and pithy put-downs that in real life you only think of hours after your real-life exchange. *g*
Yes, Lil — and your characters get to come up with all those clever and pithy put-downs that in real life you only think of hours after your real-life exchange. *g*
Yes, Lil — and your characters get to come up with all those clever and pithy put-downs that in real life you only think of hours after your real-life exchange. *g*
Thanks, Mary. I think the problem with totally evil characters is that they’re not all that believable. Baddies often have a backstory that in some ways can help you understand why they turned out that way. Though there are some baddies who are just bad-to-the-bone.
I loved The Sopranos TV who, where you got to see these dreadful mobsters with some really human failings. And they saw themselves are good parents, good friends, animal lovers etc. — so in with the badness there were glimmers of good. Made for a fascinating show.
Thanks, Mary. I think the problem with totally evil characters is that they’re not all that believable. Baddies often have a backstory that in some ways can help you understand why they turned out that way. Though there are some baddies who are just bad-to-the-bone.
I loved The Sopranos TV who, where you got to see these dreadful mobsters with some really human failings. And they saw themselves are good parents, good friends, animal lovers etc. — so in with the badness there were glimmers of good. Made for a fascinating show.
Thanks, Mary. I think the problem with totally evil characters is that they’re not all that believable. Baddies often have a backstory that in some ways can help you understand why they turned out that way. Though there are some baddies who are just bad-to-the-bone.
I loved The Sopranos TV who, where you got to see these dreadful mobsters with some really human failings. And they saw themselves are good parents, good friends, animal lovers etc. — so in with the badness there were glimmers of good. Made for a fascinating show.
Thanks, Mary. I think the problem with totally evil characters is that they’re not all that believable. Baddies often have a backstory that in some ways can help you understand why they turned out that way. Though there are some baddies who are just bad-to-the-bone.
I loved The Sopranos TV who, where you got to see these dreadful mobsters with some really human failings. And they saw themselves are good parents, good friends, animal lovers etc. — so in with the badness there were glimmers of good. Made for a fascinating show.
Thanks, Mary. I think the problem with totally evil characters is that they’re not all that believable. Baddies often have a backstory that in some ways can help you understand why they turned out that way. Though there are some baddies who are just bad-to-the-bone.
I loved The Sopranos TV who, where you got to see these dreadful mobsters with some really human failings. And they saw themselves are good parents, good friends, animal lovers etc. — so in with the badness there were glimmers of good. Made for a fascinating show.
I remember Daphne du Maurier’s, “Rebecca” and “My Cousin Rachel.” The villain in each drove the story forward.
In “Rebecca” Mrs. Danvers was so loyal to her dead mistress, she couldn’t help but push the new lady of the house in antagonistic ways that almost destroyed her mind.
In “My Cousin Rachel” the greedy and manipulative mentality of Rachel could only cause her cousin to guide her to her own destruction.
“A Tale of Two Cities” had Madame DeFarge, the knitting needle villain who loved to while away her time watching the headless corpses. Her hatred of the aristocracy and anyone who served them, gave off a chilling affect to the story.
I remember Daphne du Maurier’s, “Rebecca” and “My Cousin Rachel.” The villain in each drove the story forward.
In “Rebecca” Mrs. Danvers was so loyal to her dead mistress, she couldn’t help but push the new lady of the house in antagonistic ways that almost destroyed her mind.
In “My Cousin Rachel” the greedy and manipulative mentality of Rachel could only cause her cousin to guide her to her own destruction.
“A Tale of Two Cities” had Madame DeFarge, the knitting needle villain who loved to while away her time watching the headless corpses. Her hatred of the aristocracy and anyone who served them, gave off a chilling affect to the story.
I remember Daphne du Maurier’s, “Rebecca” and “My Cousin Rachel.” The villain in each drove the story forward.
In “Rebecca” Mrs. Danvers was so loyal to her dead mistress, she couldn’t help but push the new lady of the house in antagonistic ways that almost destroyed her mind.
In “My Cousin Rachel” the greedy and manipulative mentality of Rachel could only cause her cousin to guide her to her own destruction.
“A Tale of Two Cities” had Madame DeFarge, the knitting needle villain who loved to while away her time watching the headless corpses. Her hatred of the aristocracy and anyone who served them, gave off a chilling affect to the story.
I remember Daphne du Maurier’s, “Rebecca” and “My Cousin Rachel.” The villain in each drove the story forward.
In “Rebecca” Mrs. Danvers was so loyal to her dead mistress, she couldn’t help but push the new lady of the house in antagonistic ways that almost destroyed her mind.
In “My Cousin Rachel” the greedy and manipulative mentality of Rachel could only cause her cousin to guide her to her own destruction.
“A Tale of Two Cities” had Madame DeFarge, the knitting needle villain who loved to while away her time watching the headless corpses. Her hatred of the aristocracy and anyone who served them, gave off a chilling affect to the story.
I remember Daphne du Maurier’s, “Rebecca” and “My Cousin Rachel.” The villain in each drove the story forward.
In “Rebecca” Mrs. Danvers was so loyal to her dead mistress, she couldn’t help but push the new lady of the house in antagonistic ways that almost destroyed her mind.
In “My Cousin Rachel” the greedy and manipulative mentality of Rachel could only cause her cousin to guide her to her own destruction.
“A Tale of Two Cities” had Madame DeFarge, the knitting needle villain who loved to while away her time watching the headless corpses. Her hatred of the aristocracy and anyone who served them, gave off a chilling affect to the story.
I loved Aunt Agatha. Not really a villain but certainly a feisty and worthy opponent for Emm. Loved that series, by the way. As for other villains, I can’t think of a one right now. They’re out there in most of the books I read but when I close one book and open another the first set of characters steps into the wings, not exactly forgotten but definitely less sharp in my memory.
That said, I’ve just watched season two of Bridgerton and I can’t stand Lady Danvers or Queen Charlotte. I loathed them in the first series too. Thank goodness for the books, which are far more entertaining.
I loved Aunt Agatha. Not really a villain but certainly a feisty and worthy opponent for Emm. Loved that series, by the way. As for other villains, I can’t think of a one right now. They’re out there in most of the books I read but when I close one book and open another the first set of characters steps into the wings, not exactly forgotten but definitely less sharp in my memory.
That said, I’ve just watched season two of Bridgerton and I can’t stand Lady Danvers or Queen Charlotte. I loathed them in the first series too. Thank goodness for the books, which are far more entertaining.
I loved Aunt Agatha. Not really a villain but certainly a feisty and worthy opponent for Emm. Loved that series, by the way. As for other villains, I can’t think of a one right now. They’re out there in most of the books I read but when I close one book and open another the first set of characters steps into the wings, not exactly forgotten but definitely less sharp in my memory.
That said, I’ve just watched season two of Bridgerton and I can’t stand Lady Danvers or Queen Charlotte. I loathed them in the first series too. Thank goodness for the books, which are far more entertaining.
I loved Aunt Agatha. Not really a villain but certainly a feisty and worthy opponent for Emm. Loved that series, by the way. As for other villains, I can’t think of a one right now. They’re out there in most of the books I read but when I close one book and open another the first set of characters steps into the wings, not exactly forgotten but definitely less sharp in my memory.
That said, I’ve just watched season two of Bridgerton and I can’t stand Lady Danvers or Queen Charlotte. I loathed them in the first series too. Thank goodness for the books, which are far more entertaining.
I loved Aunt Agatha. Not really a villain but certainly a feisty and worthy opponent for Emm. Loved that series, by the way. As for other villains, I can’t think of a one right now. They’re out there in most of the books I read but when I close one book and open another the first set of characters steps into the wings, not exactly forgotten but definitely less sharp in my memory.
That said, I’ve just watched season two of Bridgerton and I can’t stand Lady Danvers or Queen Charlotte. I loathed them in the first series too. Thank goodness for the books, which are far more entertaining.
Janice that’s a great comment about the quality of a hero being measured by the magnitude of the villain. So true.
And you are so right about the need to see the villain get his come-uppence on the page. I Never forgot a book I once read a book where the confrontation between the hero and the evil villain built and built, and finally the climax was about to take place — and it happened off the page. The book became memorable for me because of the magnitude of the disappointment.
I don’t recall that Mary Balogh book. I must chase it up. She’s an auto-buy author for me, but I don’t have some of her older books, and I just went to check and it’s available on kindle — as is The Secret Pearl, which I know a friend of mine has been wanting to read for ages. Thanks.
Janice that’s a great comment about the quality of a hero being measured by the magnitude of the villain. So true.
And you are so right about the need to see the villain get his come-uppence on the page. I Never forgot a book I once read a book where the confrontation between the hero and the evil villain built and built, and finally the climax was about to take place — and it happened off the page. The book became memorable for me because of the magnitude of the disappointment.
I don’t recall that Mary Balogh book. I must chase it up. She’s an auto-buy author for me, but I don’t have some of her older books, and I just went to check and it’s available on kindle — as is The Secret Pearl, which I know a friend of mine has been wanting to read for ages. Thanks.
Janice that’s a great comment about the quality of a hero being measured by the magnitude of the villain. So true.
And you are so right about the need to see the villain get his come-uppence on the page. I Never forgot a book I once read a book where the confrontation between the hero and the evil villain built and built, and finally the climax was about to take place — and it happened off the page. The book became memorable for me because of the magnitude of the disappointment.
I don’t recall that Mary Balogh book. I must chase it up. She’s an auto-buy author for me, but I don’t have some of her older books, and I just went to check and it’s available on kindle — as is The Secret Pearl, which I know a friend of mine has been wanting to read for ages. Thanks.
Janice that’s a great comment about the quality of a hero being measured by the magnitude of the villain. So true.
And you are so right about the need to see the villain get his come-uppence on the page. I Never forgot a book I once read a book where the confrontation between the hero and the evil villain built and built, and finally the climax was about to take place — and it happened off the page. The book became memorable for me because of the magnitude of the disappointment.
I don’t recall that Mary Balogh book. I must chase it up. She’s an auto-buy author for me, but I don’t have some of her older books, and I just went to check and it’s available on kindle — as is The Secret Pearl, which I know a friend of mine has been wanting to read for ages. Thanks.
Janice that’s a great comment about the quality of a hero being measured by the magnitude of the villain. So true.
And you are so right about the need to see the villain get his come-uppence on the page. I Never forgot a book I once read a book where the confrontation between the hero and the evil villain built and built, and finally the climax was about to take place — and it happened off the page. The book became memorable for me because of the magnitude of the disappointment.
I don’t recall that Mary Balogh book. I must chase it up. She’s an auto-buy author for me, but I don’t have some of her older books, and I just went to check and it’s available on kindle — as is The Secret Pearl, which I know a friend of mine has been wanting to read for ages. Thanks.
Oooh yes, Patricia — those are all excellent villains. And not one of them had a big black mustache to twirl as they laughed evilly.
Oooh yes, Patricia — those are all excellent villains. And not one of them had a big black mustache to twirl as they laughed evilly.
Oooh yes, Patricia — those are all excellent villains. And not one of them had a big black mustache to twirl as they laughed evilly.
Oooh yes, Patricia — those are all excellent villains. And not one of them had a big black mustache to twirl as they laughed evilly.
Oooh yes, Patricia — those are all excellent villains. And not one of them had a big black mustache to twirl as they laughed evilly.
Thanks, Shelagh. Yes, she was not a villain but an unlikable character, at least at the start.
And I do understand how characters and settings fade as you step from one book into the world of another.
I haven’t watched the Bridgerton series yet, so I can’t comment. But sometimes it’s good to have characters to hate as well as some to love.
Thanks, Shelagh. Yes, she was not a villain but an unlikable character, at least at the start.
And I do understand how characters and settings fade as you step from one book into the world of another.
I haven’t watched the Bridgerton series yet, so I can’t comment. But sometimes it’s good to have characters to hate as well as some to love.
Thanks, Shelagh. Yes, she was not a villain but an unlikable character, at least at the start.
And I do understand how characters and settings fade as you step from one book into the world of another.
I haven’t watched the Bridgerton series yet, so I can’t comment. But sometimes it’s good to have characters to hate as well as some to love.
Thanks, Shelagh. Yes, she was not a villain but an unlikable character, at least at the start.
And I do understand how characters and settings fade as you step from one book into the world of another.
I haven’t watched the Bridgerton series yet, so I can’t comment. But sometimes it’s good to have characters to hate as well as some to love.
Thanks, Shelagh. Yes, she was not a villain but an unlikable character, at least at the start.
And I do understand how characters and settings fade as you step from one book into the world of another.
I haven’t watched the Bridgerton series yet, so I can’t comment. But sometimes it’s good to have characters to hate as well as some to love.
Anne-Aunt Agatha is a splendid example of a villain. I also loved to hate the evil grandfather in your novel, The Perfect Rake. Another example is the out and out rotter who torments Lady Helen in Lisa Kleypas’s Marrying Winterborne. And Grace Burrowes’ first book, The Heir has a pair of nefarious villains. Will the list never end?
Anne-Aunt Agatha is a splendid example of a villain. I also loved to hate the evil grandfather in your novel, The Perfect Rake. Another example is the out and out rotter who torments Lady Helen in Lisa Kleypas’s Marrying Winterborne. And Grace Burrowes’ first book, The Heir has a pair of nefarious villains. Will the list never end?
Anne-Aunt Agatha is a splendid example of a villain. I also loved to hate the evil grandfather in your novel, The Perfect Rake. Another example is the out and out rotter who torments Lady Helen in Lisa Kleypas’s Marrying Winterborne. And Grace Burrowes’ first book, The Heir has a pair of nefarious villains. Will the list never end?
Anne-Aunt Agatha is a splendid example of a villain. I also loved to hate the evil grandfather in your novel, The Perfect Rake. Another example is the out and out rotter who torments Lady Helen in Lisa Kleypas’s Marrying Winterborne. And Grace Burrowes’ first book, The Heir has a pair of nefarious villains. Will the list never end?
Anne-Aunt Agatha is a splendid example of a villain. I also loved to hate the evil grandfather in your novel, The Perfect Rake. Another example is the out and out rotter who torments Lady Helen in Lisa Kleypas’s Marrying Winterborne. And Grace Burrowes’ first book, The Heir has a pair of nefarious villains. Will the list never end?
Thanks, Binnie Syril, glad you enjoyed Aunt Agatha and the mad and horrible grandfather in The Perfect rake.
‘the out and out rotter who torments Lady Helen in Lisa Kleypas’s Marrying Winterborne” — Oh yes, and what about Evangeline’s ghastly relatives who were trying to forcibly marry her to their dreadful son in Devil in Winter. Thank you.
Thanks, Binnie Syril, glad you enjoyed Aunt Agatha and the mad and horrible grandfather in The Perfect rake.
‘the out and out rotter who torments Lady Helen in Lisa Kleypas’s Marrying Winterborne” — Oh yes, and what about Evangeline’s ghastly relatives who were trying to forcibly marry her to their dreadful son in Devil in Winter. Thank you.
Thanks, Binnie Syril, glad you enjoyed Aunt Agatha and the mad and horrible grandfather in The Perfect rake.
‘the out and out rotter who torments Lady Helen in Lisa Kleypas’s Marrying Winterborne” — Oh yes, and what about Evangeline’s ghastly relatives who were trying to forcibly marry her to their dreadful son in Devil in Winter. Thank you.
Thanks, Binnie Syril, glad you enjoyed Aunt Agatha and the mad and horrible grandfather in The Perfect rake.
‘the out and out rotter who torments Lady Helen in Lisa Kleypas’s Marrying Winterborne” — Oh yes, and what about Evangeline’s ghastly relatives who were trying to forcibly marry her to their dreadful son in Devil in Winter. Thank you.
Thanks, Binnie Syril, glad you enjoyed Aunt Agatha and the mad and horrible grandfather in The Perfect rake.
‘the out and out rotter who torments Lady Helen in Lisa Kleypas’s Marrying Winterborne” — Oh yes, and what about Evangeline’s ghastly relatives who were trying to forcibly marry her to their dreadful son in Devil in Winter. Thank you.
I loved Cracker!! I think that’s why I love Hoon. 😉 I knew with that whole thing with Tyler that there was a guy inside that was a good guy albeit someone who didn’t want anyone else to know. And his books have been fabulous though I’m only halfway through the second so far.
I loved Cracker!! I think that’s why I love Hoon. 😉 I knew with that whole thing with Tyler that there was a guy inside that was a good guy albeit someone who didn’t want anyone else to know. And his books have been fabulous though I’m only halfway through the second so far.
I loved Cracker!! I think that’s why I love Hoon. 😉 I knew with that whole thing with Tyler that there was a guy inside that was a good guy albeit someone who didn’t want anyone else to know. And his books have been fabulous though I’m only halfway through the second so far.
I loved Cracker!! I think that’s why I love Hoon. 😉 I knew with that whole thing with Tyler that there was a guy inside that was a good guy albeit someone who didn’t want anyone else to know. And his books have been fabulous though I’m only halfway through the second so far.
I loved Cracker!! I think that’s why I love Hoon. 😉 I knew with that whole thing with Tyler that there was a guy inside that was a good guy albeit someone who didn’t want anyone else to know. And his books have been fabulous though I’m only halfway through the second so far.
I agree about the Sopranos. It was a show that I did not expect to like – but ended up loving it.
I recently watched The Gilded Age on TV. One of the housekeepers, while not actually a villain, is a really unlikable character. But on her afternoon off we follow her to visit her invalid mother in the slums. The mother is so mean and hateful that while you don’t excuse the housekeepers behavior, you can kind of understand how she became such a sourpuss.
I agree about the Sopranos. It was a show that I did not expect to like – but ended up loving it.
I recently watched The Gilded Age on TV. One of the housekeepers, while not actually a villain, is a really unlikable character. But on her afternoon off we follow her to visit her invalid mother in the slums. The mother is so mean and hateful that while you don’t excuse the housekeepers behavior, you can kind of understand how she became such a sourpuss.
I agree about the Sopranos. It was a show that I did not expect to like – but ended up loving it.
I recently watched The Gilded Age on TV. One of the housekeepers, while not actually a villain, is a really unlikable character. But on her afternoon off we follow her to visit her invalid mother in the slums. The mother is so mean and hateful that while you don’t excuse the housekeepers behavior, you can kind of understand how she became such a sourpuss.
I agree about the Sopranos. It was a show that I did not expect to like – but ended up loving it.
I recently watched The Gilded Age on TV. One of the housekeepers, while not actually a villain, is a really unlikable character. But on her afternoon off we follow her to visit her invalid mother in the slums. The mother is so mean and hateful that while you don’t excuse the housekeepers behavior, you can kind of understand how she became such a sourpuss.
I agree about the Sopranos. It was a show that I did not expect to like – but ended up loving it.
I recently watched The Gilded Age on TV. One of the housekeepers, while not actually a villain, is a really unlikable character. But on her afternoon off we follow her to visit her invalid mother in the slums. The mother is so mean and hateful that while you don’t excuse the housekeepers behavior, you can kind of understand how she became such a sourpuss.
I did not think of Aunt Agatha as a villain….she reminded me of some of my relatives. That kind of character is a good way to learn how to respond politely and still remain unbruised and alive.
The most memorable villain – the Witch in Snow White. She was evil personified. But, think of the fact that she must have been sooooo very uncertain about herself….”Who is fairest….”.
Ms Gracie, thanks for using my question and providing a really great post and response. Hope everyone is well.
I did not think of Aunt Agatha as a villain….she reminded me of some of my relatives. That kind of character is a good way to learn how to respond politely and still remain unbruised and alive.
The most memorable villain – the Witch in Snow White. She was evil personified. But, think of the fact that she must have been sooooo very uncertain about herself….”Who is fairest….”.
Ms Gracie, thanks for using my question and providing a really great post and response. Hope everyone is well.
I did not think of Aunt Agatha as a villain….she reminded me of some of my relatives. That kind of character is a good way to learn how to respond politely and still remain unbruised and alive.
The most memorable villain – the Witch in Snow White. She was evil personified. But, think of the fact that she must have been sooooo very uncertain about herself….”Who is fairest….”.
Ms Gracie, thanks for using my question and providing a really great post and response. Hope everyone is well.
I did not think of Aunt Agatha as a villain….she reminded me of some of my relatives. That kind of character is a good way to learn how to respond politely and still remain unbruised and alive.
The most memorable villain – the Witch in Snow White. She was evil personified. But, think of the fact that she must have been sooooo very uncertain about herself….”Who is fairest….”.
Ms Gracie, thanks for using my question and providing a really great post and response. Hope everyone is well.
I did not think of Aunt Agatha as a villain….she reminded me of some of my relatives. That kind of character is a good way to learn how to respond politely and still remain unbruised and alive.
The most memorable villain – the Witch in Snow White. She was evil personified. But, think of the fact that she must have been sooooo very uncertain about herself….”Who is fairest….”.
Ms Gracie, thanks for using my question and providing a really great post and response. Hope everyone is well.
The Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood is a total villain for me although he’s quite pathetic at times too. A good villain is essential to a story.
I really enjoyed reading about the different, adverse characters that appeared here.
The Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood is a total villain for me although he’s quite pathetic at times too. A good villain is essential to a story.
I really enjoyed reading about the different, adverse characters that appeared here.
The Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood is a total villain for me although he’s quite pathetic at times too. A good villain is essential to a story.
I really enjoyed reading about the different, adverse characters that appeared here.
The Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood is a total villain for me although he’s quite pathetic at times too. A good villain is essential to a story.
I really enjoyed reading about the different, adverse characters that appeared here.
The Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood is a total villain for me although he’s quite pathetic at times too. A good villain is essential to a story.
I really enjoyed reading about the different, adverse characters that appeared here.
Poor Mr. Collins. I think his character is set more by the movies than by the nook. He may be foolish but he’s no villain. I have a WIP in which I need to get rid of the villain in a matter that brings no scandal to the heroine or hero. No one believes a marquess would embezzle 25,000£. Usually I don’t pay much attention to villains. The worse ones, though, are the ones who look and act like friends who might even be on visiting terms with the hero or heroine.
Poor Mr. Collins. I think his character is set more by the movies than by the nook. He may be foolish but he’s no villain. I have a WIP in which I need to get rid of the villain in a matter that brings no scandal to the heroine or hero. No one believes a marquess would embezzle 25,000£. Usually I don’t pay much attention to villains. The worse ones, though, are the ones who look and act like friends who might even be on visiting terms with the hero or heroine.
Poor Mr. Collins. I think his character is set more by the movies than by the nook. He may be foolish but he’s no villain. I have a WIP in which I need to get rid of the villain in a matter that brings no scandal to the heroine or hero. No one believes a marquess would embezzle 25,000£. Usually I don’t pay much attention to villains. The worse ones, though, are the ones who look and act like friends who might even be on visiting terms with the hero or heroine.
Poor Mr. Collins. I think his character is set more by the movies than by the nook. He may be foolish but he’s no villain. I have a WIP in which I need to get rid of the villain in a matter that brings no scandal to the heroine or hero. No one believes a marquess would embezzle 25,000£. Usually I don’t pay much attention to villains. The worse ones, though, are the ones who look and act like friends who might even be on visiting terms with the hero or heroine.
Poor Mr. Collins. I think his character is set more by the movies than by the nook. He may be foolish but he’s no villain. I have a WIP in which I need to get rid of the villain in a matter that brings no scandal to the heroine or hero. No one believes a marquess would embezzle 25,000£. Usually I don’t pay much attention to villains. The worse ones, though, are the ones who look and act like friends who might even be on visiting terms with the hero or heroine.
Mary, I was the same about the Sopranos, unsure when I read the articles about it before the start, but I soon became addicted. Such brilliantly developed characters and great scripts. I remember telling a friend about it, and she said “I never watch things about gangsters.” A few weeks later she and her husband were telling me, “You’ve got to watch this show, The Sopranos.” *g*
I haven’t seen The Gilded Age — but yes, I can see how knowing about the hidden life of an unlikable character might give you a better understanding of them. Though it still doesn’t make you like them, does it?
Mary, I was the same about the Sopranos, unsure when I read the articles about it before the start, but I soon became addicted. Such brilliantly developed characters and great scripts. I remember telling a friend about it, and she said “I never watch things about gangsters.” A few weeks later she and her husband were telling me, “You’ve got to watch this show, The Sopranos.” *g*
I haven’t seen The Gilded Age — but yes, I can see how knowing about the hidden life of an unlikable character might give you a better understanding of them. Though it still doesn’t make you like them, does it?
Mary, I was the same about the Sopranos, unsure when I read the articles about it before the start, but I soon became addicted. Such brilliantly developed characters and great scripts. I remember telling a friend about it, and she said “I never watch things about gangsters.” A few weeks later she and her husband were telling me, “You’ve got to watch this show, The Sopranos.” *g*
I haven’t seen The Gilded Age — but yes, I can see how knowing about the hidden life of an unlikable character might give you a better understanding of them. Though it still doesn’t make you like them, does it?
Mary, I was the same about the Sopranos, unsure when I read the articles about it before the start, but I soon became addicted. Such brilliantly developed characters and great scripts. I remember telling a friend about it, and she said “I never watch things about gangsters.” A few weeks later she and her husband were telling me, “You’ve got to watch this show, The Sopranos.” *g*
I haven’t seen The Gilded Age — but yes, I can see how knowing about the hidden life of an unlikable character might give you a better understanding of them. Though it still doesn’t make you like them, does it?
Mary, I was the same about the Sopranos, unsure when I read the articles about it before the start, but I soon became addicted. Such brilliantly developed characters and great scripts. I remember telling a friend about it, and she said “I never watch things about gangsters.” A few weeks later she and her husband were telling me, “You’ve got to watch this show, The Sopranos.” *g*
I haven’t seen The Gilded Age — but yes, I can see how knowing about the hidden life of an unlikable character might give you a better understanding of them. Though it still doesn’t make you like them, does it?
Thanks for the question, Annette — I’ve sent you a private email to arrange for sending you a book. And no, Aunt Agatha was no villain — but the post was about unlikable characters, and she sure started off that way.
Oh yes, the evil queen in Snow White. It would be interesting to write her story from a more sympathetic point of view, because as you say, she’s a bit pathetic, so hung up on being the fairest of them all, as if that was her entire value. Okay, she still did a dreadful thing, sending Snow White off to be killed, but exploring her backstory and trying to portray her as a person, rather than wholly a Villain would be fascinating, I suspect.
Thanks for the question, Annette — I’ve sent you a private email to arrange for sending you a book. And no, Aunt Agatha was no villain — but the post was about unlikable characters, and she sure started off that way.
Oh yes, the evil queen in Snow White. It would be interesting to write her story from a more sympathetic point of view, because as you say, she’s a bit pathetic, so hung up on being the fairest of them all, as if that was her entire value. Okay, she still did a dreadful thing, sending Snow White off to be killed, but exploring her backstory and trying to portray her as a person, rather than wholly a Villain would be fascinating, I suspect.
Thanks for the question, Annette — I’ve sent you a private email to arrange for sending you a book. And no, Aunt Agatha was no villain — but the post was about unlikable characters, and she sure started off that way.
Oh yes, the evil queen in Snow White. It would be interesting to write her story from a more sympathetic point of view, because as you say, she’s a bit pathetic, so hung up on being the fairest of them all, as if that was her entire value. Okay, she still did a dreadful thing, sending Snow White off to be killed, but exploring her backstory and trying to portray her as a person, rather than wholly a Villain would be fascinating, I suspect.
Thanks for the question, Annette — I’ve sent you a private email to arrange for sending you a book. And no, Aunt Agatha was no villain — but the post was about unlikable characters, and she sure started off that way.
Oh yes, the evil queen in Snow White. It would be interesting to write her story from a more sympathetic point of view, because as you say, she’s a bit pathetic, so hung up on being the fairest of them all, as if that was her entire value. Okay, she still did a dreadful thing, sending Snow White off to be killed, but exploring her backstory and trying to portray her as a person, rather than wholly a Villain would be fascinating, I suspect.
Thanks for the question, Annette — I’ve sent you a private email to arrange for sending you a book. And no, Aunt Agatha was no villain — but the post was about unlikable characters, and she sure started off that way.
Oh yes, the evil queen in Snow White. It would be interesting to write her story from a more sympathetic point of view, because as you say, she’s a bit pathetic, so hung up on being the fairest of them all, as if that was her entire value. Okay, she still did a dreadful thing, sending Snow White off to be killed, but exploring her backstory and trying to portray her as a person, rather than wholly a Villain would be fascinating, I suspect.
Thanks, Teresa, yes, the Sheriff was a villain, all right — corrupt and manipulative. But again, it would be interesting to explore him from a different angle, and discover the real person behind the Villain persona.
Oh dear, this post is making me want to write about a villain, not a hero.
Do you remember how Mary Balogh made one of the young men in Courting Julia into a villain — or if not entirely a villain, he still did a Very Bad Thing — at the end, and in the next book in the series, Dancing with Clara, she redeemed him and made him into a hero. That was wonderful, I think.
Thanks, Teresa, yes, the Sheriff was a villain, all right — corrupt and manipulative. But again, it would be interesting to explore him from a different angle, and discover the real person behind the Villain persona.
Oh dear, this post is making me want to write about a villain, not a hero.
Do you remember how Mary Balogh made one of the young men in Courting Julia into a villain — or if not entirely a villain, he still did a Very Bad Thing — at the end, and in the next book in the series, Dancing with Clara, she redeemed him and made him into a hero. That was wonderful, I think.
Thanks, Teresa, yes, the Sheriff was a villain, all right — corrupt and manipulative. But again, it would be interesting to explore him from a different angle, and discover the real person behind the Villain persona.
Oh dear, this post is making me want to write about a villain, not a hero.
Do you remember how Mary Balogh made one of the young men in Courting Julia into a villain — or if not entirely a villain, he still did a Very Bad Thing — at the end, and in the next book in the series, Dancing with Clara, she redeemed him and made him into a hero. That was wonderful, I think.
Thanks, Teresa, yes, the Sheriff was a villain, all right — corrupt and manipulative. But again, it would be interesting to explore him from a different angle, and discover the real person behind the Villain persona.
Oh dear, this post is making me want to write about a villain, not a hero.
Do you remember how Mary Balogh made one of the young men in Courting Julia into a villain — or if not entirely a villain, he still did a Very Bad Thing — at the end, and in the next book in the series, Dancing with Clara, she redeemed him and made him into a hero. That was wonderful, I think.
Thanks, Teresa, yes, the Sheriff was a villain, all right — corrupt and manipulative. But again, it would be interesting to explore him from a different angle, and discover the real person behind the Villain persona.
Oh dear, this post is making me want to write about a villain, not a hero.
Do you remember how Mary Balogh made one of the young men in Courting Julia into a villain — or if not entirely a villain, he still did a Very Bad Thing — at the end, and in the next book in the series, Dancing with Clara, she redeemed him and made him into a hero. That was wonderful, I think.
hi Nancy — I never said Mr Collins was a villain — the title of this post was “Unlikable Characters” and I think he was certainly that.
You said: “I have a WIP in which I need to get rid of the villain in a matter that brings no scandal to the heroine or hero.” — that’s always the difficulty, isn’t it? To bring the villain to justice neatly, without having it spoil the happiness of the hero and heroine.
As for the villain who acts like a friend, Shakespeare had it so right when he said, “one may smile, and smile, and be a villain.” I often think the smiling villains are the most fun to play with in fiction. Because their unmasking is often such a shock.
hi Nancy — I never said Mr Collins was a villain — the title of this post was “Unlikable Characters” and I think he was certainly that.
You said: “I have a WIP in which I need to get rid of the villain in a matter that brings no scandal to the heroine or hero.” — that’s always the difficulty, isn’t it? To bring the villain to justice neatly, without having it spoil the happiness of the hero and heroine.
As for the villain who acts like a friend, Shakespeare had it so right when he said, “one may smile, and smile, and be a villain.” I often think the smiling villains are the most fun to play with in fiction. Because their unmasking is often such a shock.
hi Nancy — I never said Mr Collins was a villain — the title of this post was “Unlikable Characters” and I think he was certainly that.
You said: “I have a WIP in which I need to get rid of the villain in a matter that brings no scandal to the heroine or hero.” — that’s always the difficulty, isn’t it? To bring the villain to justice neatly, without having it spoil the happiness of the hero and heroine.
As for the villain who acts like a friend, Shakespeare had it so right when he said, “one may smile, and smile, and be a villain.” I often think the smiling villains are the most fun to play with in fiction. Because their unmasking is often such a shock.
hi Nancy — I never said Mr Collins was a villain — the title of this post was “Unlikable Characters” and I think he was certainly that.
You said: “I have a WIP in which I need to get rid of the villain in a matter that brings no scandal to the heroine or hero.” — that’s always the difficulty, isn’t it? To bring the villain to justice neatly, without having it spoil the happiness of the hero and heroine.
As for the villain who acts like a friend, Shakespeare had it so right when he said, “one may smile, and smile, and be a villain.” I often think the smiling villains are the most fun to play with in fiction. Because their unmasking is often such a shock.
hi Nancy — I never said Mr Collins was a villain — the title of this post was “Unlikable Characters” and I think he was certainly that.
You said: “I have a WIP in which I need to get rid of the villain in a matter that brings no scandal to the heroine or hero.” — that’s always the difficulty, isn’t it? To bring the villain to justice neatly, without having it spoil the happiness of the hero and heroine.
As for the villain who acts like a friend, Shakespeare had it so right when he said, “one may smile, and smile, and be a villain.” I often think the smiling villains are the most fun to play with in fiction. Because their unmasking is often such a shock.