Creating the Best Characters Forum Antagonist

Eliza R Sanders

Antagonist 9 Years Ago I'm sure you've faced the trial of creating a terrible villain like most writers. If you have some tips on how to make your reader grip the book in red faced anger at your dastardly antagonist, then please share. One thing I've discovered through writing and reading is the villain who fills me with hate is the one who tries to trick the protagonist into feeling guilty for their enemy. For example, the villain has a great pity party, and blames the heroine for it all, filling them with shame and guilt for all they did. I find that if this is to work, the villain and hero must have had a good relationship before. But of course, that doesn't mean it's required. They could have hated each other since birth. But, is this true or not? Tell me what you think makes a good antagonist and what doesn't. It's all debatable.