Let's talk about Villains (Off-Topic)

by Kermit , Raleigh, NC, Friday, November 18, 2016, 12:44 (2716 days ago) @ SonofMacPhisto

Hello, DBO.

I hope this post finds you all well. I'm working on a bit of a role play project involving villainy. Right now, I'm sort of fleshing out the character. I'd like some input on creating someone truly evil and worthy of strong feelings, yet allows space for his enemies to learn something positive about themselves. Sort of "good needs evil" kind of vibe?

Naturally, I tend to lean towards characters like Loki from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Moriarty from Sherlock with a dash of the Vaygr from Homeworld. I also appreciate making your heroes villainous and your villains heroic.

What say you all?

I think the last thing you said is the most important--interesting villains see themselves as the hero of their own story. Also, I don't know what your role play project is, but in a narrative, you probably don't want to reveal in the first act that the villain is actually the father of the protagonist. :)