How To Write a Villain That Is Right

Summary

This video explores the concept of the 'righteous villain' in storytelling, highlighting how these characters, though antagonistic, often possess ideologies and motivations that challenge heroes and audiences alike. It examines examples like Thanos, Killmonger, and Syndrome, showing how their beliefs—such as justice, empowerment, and resource management—can be compelling despite their extreme actions. The video emphasizes that a great villain isn't just evil for the sake of evil; their core philosophy makes them relatable and thought-provoking. Ultimately, righteous villains force both heroes and viewers to question the status quo and the moral costs of their actions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Villains are often misunderstood and their motivations can be more complex than simply being evil. They might be driven by ideology or a desire to fix injustice.
• 😀 A villain’s philosophy or core belief is more important than their goal. Without an ideology, they’re just a thug. A villain with a strong belief system becomes dangerous and memorable.
• 😀 The best villains don’t just fight the hero, they challenge the hero’s beliefs and make the audience question their own views on justice and morality.
• 😀 Thanos, Killmonger, and Syndrome are all examples of villains with understandable, though flawed, motivations. Their ultimate downfall comes from going too far with their methods.
• 😀 The most compelling villains make the hero hesitate. They present arguments that challenge the hero’s sense of purpose, and sometimes even make us sympathize with them.
• 😀 The scariest villains are those whose logic is airtight. When the hero can’t counter the villain’s argument effectively, it makes the villain’s cause seem almost justified.
• 😀 Every great villain has a personal stake in their fight. Their pain or trauma drives their actions, making them more relatable and their cause more compelling.
• 😀 A villain’s downfall should not just be a physical defeat but an ideological one. The hero should prove the villain’s core beliefs wrong through their actions and philosophy.
• 😀 The most memorable villains leave a mark on the hero, challenging and changing them. After facing a villain, the hero should not remain the same.
• 😀 Villains are often driven by real-world frustrations or personal pain, which makes them relatable. The best villains aren’t just evil; they are people whose experiences have shaped their worldview.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the script?

The main theme of the script is exploring the complexity of villains, particularly righteous villains, who challenge the heroes and their beliefs. It emphasizes that the best villains often have ideologies that make sense and force us to question the systems and ideals of the heroes.

What makes a villain compelling, according to the script?

A compelling villain is one who has a core philosophy or belief that justifies their actions, even if those actions are extreme. The villain should challenge the hero's beliefs and make the audience question their own assumptions about right and wrong.

Why are righteous villains more interesting than traditional villains?

Righteous villains are more interesting because they believe they are doing the right thing, even if their methods are extreme. They often have legitimate grievances, such as injustice or oppression, and their actions are driven by these beliefs, making their motivations more relatable and their stories more complex.

How do villains like Thanos, Killmonger, and Syndrome challenge the hero’s beliefs?

These villains challenge the heroes by presenting ideologies that make sense in their context. For instance, Thanos argues for population control to save the universe, Killmonger wants global justice for oppressed people, and Syndrome criticizes the exclusivity of superheroes. Each villain forces the heroes to reconsider their own views on power, justice, and fairness.

What role does the villain’s pain or personal stake play in their actions?

The villain’s personal stake or pain is crucial in making them relatable and humanizing their motives. This personal pain often drives them to take extreme actions, which makes their downfall tragic and their cause sympathetic. The audience understands their pain, which adds depth to their character.

Why do villains lose even though they have a valid point?

Villains lose not because their points are invalid, but because their methods are extreme and their vision is radical. Their downfall often occurs because they cross a moral line, and their pain or anger turns them into something monstrous, which the heroes ultimately cannot support.

How do the best villains impact the hero's journey?

The best villains don’t just oppose the hero; they force the hero to grow. The villain challenges the hero’s beliefs, forcing them to reconsider their purpose or ideals. This often leaves a lasting impact on the hero, even if the villain is defeated.

What is the key to writing a successful villain?

The key to writing a successful villain is to give them a strong core belief or ideology that makes sense and challenges the hero. The villain should have a personal reason for their actions, and their downfall should be tragic, showing how their pain and ideals ultimately led them astray.

How does the script suggest villains should be written in terms of their ideology?

Villains should be written with a clear ideology that is not just about power or destruction. Their philosophy should reflect real-world frustrations, and they should believe that their actions are necessary to fix what is wrong with the world. This makes their actions more understandable, even if they are morally wrong.

What role does the villain’s defining moment play in their characterization?

The villain’s defining moment is crucial because it marks the point where their ideology goes too far. This moment usually involves them crossing a moral line, which makes the audience stop and reconsider whether the hero’s cause is just. It’s a key moment that separates the villain from being completely sympathetic to being a true antagonist.