Ciao, SEers! I’ve been talking to you about some of my favorite character types the last couple of times I was with you. We’ve already gone over sidekicks and red herrings (if you missed them). Today, I’m sure it’s no surprise that I, the writer who delights in killing so many of her characters in so many different ways, is talking to you about the villain.

I feel like I could write a book on the subject. Many writers already have. Today, however, I want to focus on three points: power, motivation, and success.

Power

A villain needs to be a worth adversary for your hero. By worthy, I mean he needs to be slightly more powerful. Yes, more powerful. Not equal, not less. More.

If he’s too strong, he’ll never be beaten. Too weak…