55+ Villain Backstory Ideas & Character Motivations for Writers

A well-developed villain can make or break a story.
Think about your favorite books or movies—chances are, the villains are just as memorable as the heroes (if not more so!).
A great villain isn’t just evil for the sake of being evil – they have a backstory that explains their actions and makes them more complex and interesting.
In this article, we’ll explore different types of villains and their motivations, provide tips on creating unique backstories, and highlight what to avoid. I’ll also give you some villain backstory ideas to help you write your own memorable antagonists. Last, I’ll show you how to download my villain character workbook that’s going to help you develop your own unique villain!
It doesn’t matter if you’re writing a novel, a screenplay, or a short story – these insights will help you create a villain that readers won’t forget!
Villain Motivations: What Drives Your Villain?
What drives a good villain? Villain motivations can run the gamut, but there are some that appear more often than others. Let’s take a look at a few and find examples in literature and cinema.
Vengeance
Vengeance often drives villains. Think about what incident has occurred to trigger the villain’s need for revenge.
Usually it’s a perceived injustice they or someone else has suffered – and they feel that it’s their duty to right that wrong, no matter the cost.
Example: In Moby Dick by Herman Melville, Captain Ahab’s obsession with hunting the white whale, Moby Dick, is driven by revenge. After losing his leg to the whale, Ahab’s singular goal becomes killing Moby Dick – even if it costs him everything.
Power
A villain’s motivation can often include the desire for power. Sometimes that’s political power, other times it’s supernatural power or power over others!
Often the villain sees power as a means to an end and they want to exert that power over the world or specific people.
Example: Thanos, villain of Avengers: Infinity War is a great example of this. He needs to gather all the Infinity Stones because he wants the power to bring balance and end suffering due to finite resources. It sounds good, but his method is to destroy half of all life in the universe! His motivation? He believes he is the only one strong enough to make the hard decisions that are needed for the greater good.
Romance or Love
Love can also drive villains. It can be unrequited or lost, or it can be a twisted or obsessive, but any way you look at it, it’s a powerful motivator.
The villain may go to extremes to capture or retain what they see as the love of their life, and the results are usually destructive.
Example: Annie Wilkes in Stephen King’s Misery is driven by a twisted form of love. Her obsession with author Paul Sheldon and his book series leads her to kidnap and torture him to ensure he writes his next story the way she wants it to be.
Fear
Some of the best villains can be driven by fear as a self preserving or protective measure.
It can be fear of losing something, like power, or fear of something coming, like a threatening enemy, or fear of something in the past that haunts them.
Example: In Harry Potter, Lord Voldemort is motivated by his fear of death. His quest for immortality leads him to create Horcruxes, dark magical objects that anchor his soul to the living world. Voldemort’s fear of death drives him to commit unspeakable acts to ensure his survival.
Greed
A villain’s motivation can include greed – the desire for money, resources or material things. It can drive them to criminal acts or to betray the trust of others.
They may place their own interests, or those of their loved ones, above everyone else.
Example: In The Hobbit, Smaug the dragon is driven by greed. He hoards a vast treasure in the Lonely Mountain and fiercely guards it against any intruders. Smaug’s insatiable desire for gold and riches makes him a dangerous antagonist for any main character – let alone a defenseless hobbit.
READ MORE: Learn more about common themes in literature, and themes in horror stories in particular.
Types of Villains (With Ideas)
Villains can be divided into categories. Each type of memorable villain has their own characteristics, motivations, and an intricate antagonist’s backstory that both makes them interesting and stops them from being a one-dimensional character.
Let’s look at a few of the common villain archetypes:
The Dark Lord
The Dark Lord, often embodying pure evil, is a strong and often magical being who would conquer all and destroy all for the sake of power and domination.
This type of true villain often leads armies or organizations and possesses great power and control. They inspire fear in all who cross their path.
Example: Sauron from The Lord of the Rings is a quintessential Dark Lord. His goal of conquering Middle-Earth and enslaving its inhabitants drives the central conflict of the series.
Unique Dark Lord Ideas For Your Story
The Demoted God: A deity who was cast out of the pantheon for their ruthless methods in maintaining order. Now mortal but still immensely powerful, they seek to reclaim their divine status by subjugating humanity. Motivation: To regain godhood and enforce divine order upon the world.
The Abandoned Apprentice: An apprentice to a powerful wizard who was betrayed and left for dead. After surviving and mastering forbidden spells, they seek to overthrow their former master and take control. Motivation: To punish his master and rule over the magical world.
The Warlock King: A king who turned to dark magic to save his kingdom from invaders but became corrupted by the power he wielded. Now, he rules with an iron fist, using fear and dark sorcery to maintain control. Motivation: To keep his kingdom safe at any price and to expand his kingdom’s borders.
The Ancient Dragon: An ancient dragon who was sealed away by the gods for its destructive nature. Freed by unsuspecting adventurers, the dragon now seeks to reclaim its territory and enslave all who inhabit it. Motivation: To reestablish its dominance over the land and exact revenge on those who imprisoned it.
The Dark Prophet: A former high priest who, after being cast out for heresy, gained immense dark powers through forbidden rituals. Now, they seek to spread their dark religion and subjugate all under their rule. Motivation: To convert the world to their dark faith and rule as its supreme leader.
The Fallen Hero
The Fallen Hero is a character who was once a hero (or even a protagonist in an earlier tale), but has now been tainted or corrupted by circumstance, personal weakness, or outside influence.
Example: Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader from Star Wars embodies the Fallen Hero archetype. Anakin’s fear of loss and desire for power lead him to the dark side and transformed him from a Jedi Knight into a Sith Lord. His fall from grace is a central element of his character and motivates his actions throughout the series.
Unique Fallen Hero Ideas For Your Story
The Corrupted Healer: A healer renowned for their compassion and skill who turned to dark magic to save their loved ones. The forbidden arts corrupted them, turning their desire to heal into a thirst for power. Motivation: To harness their dark powers to prevent further loss, even if it means controlling others.
The Disillusioned General: A general who fought valiantly for their country but became disillusioned with the corrupt leadership. They now lead a rebellion, using ruthless tactics to overthrow the regime. Motivation: To cleanse the country of corruption by any means necessary, even if it means becoming a tyrant themselves.
The Fallen Sorceress: A sorceress who was once a beacon of light and hope but has been corrupted by a powerful artifact she sought to protect. Now she uses its power to control and dominate. Motivation: To wield the artifact’s power to impose her vision of order on the world.
The Exiled Prince: A prince exiled for a crime he did not commit, who turns to dark alliances to reclaim his throne. His desire for justice becomes a quest for absolute power. Motivation: To reclaim his rightful place and punish those who wronged him, no matter the cost.
The War-Wearied Hero: A hero of countless battles, scarred by war and loss. Their idealism shattered, they now seek to end all wars by ruling with an iron fist. Motivation: To bring lasting peace through absolute control, believing that only they can end the cycle of violence.
The Outsider
The Outsider is a villain motivated by rejection or mistreatment by society, often having a significant impact on the main character.
Their feelings of alienation and desire for acceptance or revenge drive their actions.
Example: Frankenstein’s Monster in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a classic Outsider. Created by Victor Frankenstein and subsequently abandoned, the Monster’s loneliness and rejection by society fuel him to seek revenge. His tragic backstory elicits sympathy from readers, even as he commits heinous acts.
Unique Outsider Backstory Ideas
The Disfigured Artist: A talented artist whose physical deformities led to a lifetime of ridicule and isolation. Rejected by society, they turn their artistic talents into a means of creating chaos and destruction. Motivation: To make the world feel the same pain and rejection they have experienced.
The Forsaken Child: An orphan abandoned by their family and mistreated by society. Growing up in harsh conditions, they develop a deep-seated hatred for the society that failed them and seek to overthrow it. Motivation: To destroy the social structures that perpetuate neglect and suffering.
The Outcast Warrior: A skilled warrior whose unconventional tactics led to their banishment from their tribe or army. Feeling betrayed and misunderstood, they become a mercenary, wreaking havoc wherever they go. Motivation: To prove their strength and get revenge on those who cast them out.
The Alienated Scholar: A scholar whose radical ideas about society and governance led to their expulsion from academic circles. They now seek to bring down the societal structures they believe are fundamentally flawed. Motivation: To reshape society according to their vision and punish those who dismissed their ideas.
The Forgotten Royal: A member of a royal family who was cast aside due to a scandal or political intrigue. Living in obscurity and resentment, they plan to reclaim their rightful place by any means necessary. Motivation: To restore their honor and take vengeance on those who conspired against them.
The Mastermind
The Mastermind villain is often characterized by their highly intelligent and cunning nature.
They often plan complex and intriguing plots and manipulate others to accomplish their objectives, making them very dangerous adversaries.
Example: Moriarty from Sherlock Holmes is the archetypal Mastermind. His genius-level intellect makes him a perfect foil to Sherlock Holmes. Moriarty’s backstory as a brilliant but morally bankrupt individual shapes his manipulative behavior.
Mastermind Backstory Ideas
The Betrayed Spy: A top intelligence agent who was double-crossed and left for dead. Surviving against all odds, they now use their extensive knowledge of espionage to manipulate global events for personal gain. Motivation: To expose and dismantle the corrupt organization that betrayed them.
The Disillusioned Philosopher: A brilliant thinker whose radical ideas were rejected by the academic community. They now manipulate social movements and public opinion to bring about the societal changes they believe are necessary. Motivation: To prove the validity of their theories by reshaping society.
The Ex-Director: A former director of a powerful organization who was overthrown by their subordinates. Now, they orchestrate complex plots to destabilize the organization and regain control. Motivation: To dismantle the new leadership and reclaim their position of power.
The Fallen General: A highly decorated military strategist who was court-martialed for defying orders. Using their tactical genius, they now lead a secret faction, planning military coups and uprisings. Motivation: To establish their own rule and prove their strategic superiority.
The Rogue AI Developer: A genius developer whose artificial intelligence project was shut down due to ethical concerns. They now use their creation to manipulate digital infrastructure and control information. Motivation: To show the world the potential of their AI, regardless of the consequences.
The Tragic Villain
The Tragic Villain has a backstory that evokes sympathy from the audience.
Despite their villainous actions, their motives and history reveal a character driven by pain, loss, or noble intentions gone awry.
Example: Magneto from X-Men is a Tragic Villain. A Holocaust survivor, Magneto’s traumatic past and desire to protect mutants from persecution shape his actions.
Tragic Villain Backstory Ideas
The Grieving Parent: A once-loving parent who lost their child due to a preventable tragedy, such as a medical error or a criminal act. Overwhelmed by grief and anger, they now seek revenge against the system they believe failed them. Motivation: To ensure no other parent suffers the same loss, even if it means resorting to extreme measures.
The Vengeful Artist: An artist whose work was stolen and credited to someone else, leading to a life of poverty and obscurity. Consumed by bitterness, they use their talents to create chaos and destruction. Motivation: To reclaim their lost recognition and make the world feel their suffering.
The Heartbroken Lover: A person whose true love was killed or taken from them due to political or social reasons. Their sorrow turns into a vendetta against those they hold responsible. Motivation: To avenge their lost love and dismantle the systems that kept them apart.
The Fallen Idealist: A visionary who aimed to create a utopia but was betrayed by those they trusted. Disillusioned and cynical, they now use their intellect to bring about their vision through more ruthless means. Motivation: To build the perfect society, regardless of the moral cost.
The Tormented Soul: A person who was wrongfully imprisoned and tortured for a crime they did not commit. Their desire for justice turns into a dark quest for revenge against their tormentors. Motivation: To bring justice to their abusers and prevent others from suffering the same fate.
The Pure Evil Monster
The Monster is an inhuman or monstrous villain whose appearance and actions invoke fear.
This archetype often represents a primal or supernatural force which makes them both a physical and psychological threat to the characters in the story.
Example: The Hydra from Greek mythology fits this archetype due to its terrifying appearance and superhuman resilience. A giant multi-headed serpentine creature that prey on humans is bad enough, but having acid breath, poisoned blood, and the ability to regenerate its heads when cut off, makes it down-right terrifying.
Monster Backstory Ideas
The Ancient Guardian: A creature created eons ago to protect a sacred artifact. Over time, the artifact’s power corrupted the guardian, turning them into a monstrous being that now seeks to consume and dominate rather than protect. Motivation: To reclaim the power of the artifact for themselves, even if it means destroying everything in their path.
The Cursed Noble: A once-handsome noble cursed by a spurned lover or magical being to live as a hideous beast. Their monstrous appearance drives them to madness and violence, shunned by the very people they once ruled. Motivation: To find a way to lift the curse, regardless of the destruction they cause.
The Deep Sea Horror: A creature from the depths of the ocean, awakened by environmental disturbances. Its monstrous appearance and predatory nature make it a terror of the seas. Motivation: To adapt to the changes in its environment and establish dominance over the surface world.
The Plague Bringer: A monstrous being born from the collective fears and sufferings of a plague-ridden population. Its existence is a manifestation of the disease, spreading sickness wherever it goes. Motivation: To spread disease and suffering as a physical embodiment of humanity’s darkest fears.
The Shadow Wraith: A being made of shadows and darkness, born from an ancient curse placed upon a forgotten city. It feeds on fear and darkness, growing stronger with each victim. Motivation: To engulf the world in darkness and fear, feeding its insatiable hunger.
READ MORE: Learn about the overall monster archetype, how to write a monster, and some great monster names for a story.
The Corrupted Innocent
The Corrupted Innocent starts as a pure and good character but is gradually corrupted by external influences or internal weaknesses.
Example: Gollum from The Lord of the Rings was once a simple creature named Sméagol, whose discovery of the One Ring led to his gradual corruption.
Corrupted Innocent Backstory Ideas
The Betrayed Child: A young, idealistic orphan who was manipulated by a cunning mentor promising love and security. Over time, the mentor’s teachings twist their morals, turning them into a ruthless enforcer for the mentor’s terrible plans. Motivation: To seek validation and love from their mentor by committing increasingly evil acts.
The Disillusioned Priest: A devout clergyman who starts with pure intentions to serve their faith. Disillusioned by the hypocrisy and corruption within the religious institution, they begin to use their position for manipulation and control, believing it’s the only way to truly enforce their beliefs. Motivation: To cleanse their faith by imposing their twisted vision of righteousness.
The Broken Protector: A guardian or bodyguard who fails to protect someone they loved. Haunted by this failure, they become obsessed with gaining power to prevent future loss, even if it means hurting those they were sworn to protect. Motivation: To never feel powerless again, using any means necessary to achieve absolute control.
The Idealistic Rebel: A young revolutionary who begins with noble intentions to overthrow a tyrannical government. As they gain power, the methods used to achieve their goals become increasingly brutal, turning them into a tyrant themselves. Motivation: To create the perfect society, believing their vision justifies any atrocity.
The Scarred Survivor: A gentle soul who survives a horrific event, such as a war or disaster, that leaves them physically and emotionally scarred. Consumed by anger and a desire for retribution, they begin to exact vengeance on those they blame, losing their innocence in the process. Motivation: To ensure that those responsible for their suffering pay dearly, regardless of the collateral damage.
The Anti-Villain
The Anti-Villain possesses some heroic qualities or motivations but resorts to villainous actions to achieve their goals.
They often have a moral code or noble cause that contrasts with their methods.
Example: Mr. Freeze from Batman is driven by a noble cause—saving his terminally ill wife. However, his willingness to resort to crime and violence to achieve this goal positions him as a real villain.
Anti-Villain Backstory Ideas
The Environmental Extremist: A passionate environmentalist who turns to ecoterrorism after witnessing widespread environmental destruction and governmental inaction. They believe that only through radical actions can the planet be saved.
Motivation: To protect the environment at all costs, believing drastic measures are necessary to wake people up to the urgency of the crisis.The Protector of Secrets: A former spy who uses their skills to expose government corruption and secrets, regardless of the collateral damage. They see themselves as a necessary evil to keep the government in check. Motivation: To maintain transparency and accountability, believing that revealing the truth is worth any price.
The Ethical Hacker: A skilled hacker who uses their talents to expose corporate greed and corruption, even if it harms ordinary people. While their actions are illegal, they aim to hold powerful entities accountable and redistribute wealth to those in need. Motivation: To fight economic inequality and corruption, using illegal means to achieve a fairer society.
The Disillusioned Soldier: A decorated war hero who becomes a mercenary, targeting corrupt officials and war criminals. They operate outside the law, believing that their actions are necessary to bring about true justice. Motivation: To rid the world of corruption and evil, viewing themselves as a necessary force for good in a corrupt world.
The Tragic Protector: A guardian who was once dedicated to protecting a mystical realm but resorts to dark magic to fend off invaders. Their noble goal of defending their home is overshadowed by the sinister means they employ. Motivation: To protect their realm at any cost, believing that their dark actions are justified by the threat they face.
RELATED: Check out these huge lists of great villain names and villain origin story ideas!
The Nemesis
The Nemesis is a villain whose primary motivation is to oppose the hero.
They often have a personal vendetta or rivalry with the protagonist, making their conflict intensely personal.
Example: The Joker from Batman is the ultimate Nemesis. His chaotic nature and personal obsession with Batman drive his actions. The Joker’s backstory varies, but it often includes elements of personal tragedy and psychological trauma that fuel his antagonism.
Nemesis Backstory Ideas
The Childhood Rival: A former childhood friend of the hero who always felt overshadowed and inferior. This long-standing rivalry festers into hatred as they grow older, leading them to oppose the hero at every turn. Motivation: To prove their superiority and finally outshine the hero they’ve always envied.
The Vengeful Relative: A sibling or close relative who harbors deep resentment and jealousy towards the hero due to familial rivalry or favoritism. Their close relationship adds an extra layer of emotional conflict. Motivation: To take their rightful place and exact revenge for years of being in the hero’s shadow.
The Spurned Lover: A former romantic interest of the hero who feels wronged by them, whether through rejection or betrayal. Their personal vendetta turns them into a formidable opponent. Motivation: To make the hero suffer the same heartbreak and rejection they experienced.
The Avenger: A character whose loved one was harmed or killed by the hero, intentionally or unintentionally. Their grief and anger drive them to seek revenge, believing the hero must pay for their actions. Motivation: To avenge their loss and make the hero face justice for their actions.
The Shamed Rival: A competitor who was publicly humiliated or defeated by the hero in the past. Their desire to reclaim their honor and dignity drives them to become the hero’s nemesis. Motivation: To restore their reputation and to humiliate the hero in return.
The Puppet Master
The Puppet Master controls others to do their bidding, often staying in the shadows. This archetype manipulates events and people, pulling the strings to achieve their hidden objectives.
Example: Palpatine from Star Wars is a master manipulator who orchestrates the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Empire. His cunning and strategic mind allow him to control key figures and events from behind the scenes.
Puppet Master Backstory Ideas
The Disgraced Politician: A former political leader who was removed from power due to scandal or corruption. Now, they operate from the shadows, manipulating current leaders and events to regain influence and control. Motivation: To reclaim their lost power and shape the political landscape according to their vision.
The Mastermind Criminal: A criminal genius who was once a prominent figure in the underworld but was betrayed by their closest allies. They now pull the strings from behind the scenes, orchestrating elaborate heists and crimes. Motivation: To control the criminal underworld and exact revenge on those who betrayed them.
The Corporate Magnate: A former CEO who was ousted by a hostile takeover. Now, they covertly manipulate the stock market, corporate policies, and business rivals to reclaim their empire and crush their enemies.
Motivation: To regain control of their corporate empire and ruin those who took it from them.The Fallen Noble: A noble who was stripped of their title and lands due to a family scandal. They manipulate court politics, alliances, and rivalries from the shadows, seeking to restore their family’s honor and power.
Motivation: To restore their noble status and control the court that cast them out.The Puppet King: A royal figurehead placed on the throne by powerful advisors who secretly control the kingdom. While appearing to be a mere puppet, they manipulate their advisors and other nobles, slowly turning the tables.
Motivation: To truly control the kingdom and outmaneuver those who believe they are in charge.
The Opportunist
The Opportunist is driven by a desire to seize opportunities for personal gain, regardless of the consequences.
Example: Littlefinger from Game of Thrones is an Opportunist who manipulates and schemes his way to power. His backstory of being a minor noble with ambitions far beyond his station drives his pursuit of influence and wealth.
Opportunist Backstory Ideas
The Ruthless Businessman: A once-struggling entrepreneur who seized an opportunity to take over a competitor’s company through underhanded means. Now, they stop at nothing to expand their corporate empire, crushing anyone in their way.
Motivation: To become the most powerful and wealthy business mogul, no matter the cost to others.The Real Estate Tycoon: A land developer who sees potential in exploiting low-income neighborhoods. They buy properties cheaply, displace residents, and build luxury developments, prioritizing profit over people. Motivation: To become the leading real estate tycoon, regardless of the community impact.
The Media Manipulator: A journalist who realizes the power of sensationalism and fake news to drive ratings and personal brand. They manipulate stories and people to stay in the spotlight and maximize their influence and income. Motivation: To become the most influential media figure, regardless of the truth or damage caused.
The Resource Hoarder: A merchant in a post-apocalyptic world who hoards essential resources and sells them at exorbitant prices. They exploit the desperation of others to amass power and wealth. Motivation: To control the most valuable resources and secure personal safety and luxury in a devastated world.
The Crisis Exploiter: A former humanitarian who saw a chance to profit during a global crisis, such as a natural disaster or pandemic. They exploit the chaos to hoard and sell supplies at inflated prices, caring only for their gain. Motivation: To become wealthy and powerful by exploiting crises, ignoring the suffering of others.
READ MORE: Learn about other types of potentially-villainous character archetypes in these articles – the magician, the outlaw, the jester, the lover and the ruler.
How to Create a Unique Villain Backstory
When you’re writing a sympathetic villain, you need to come up with a thought provoking backstory that shows how they became the great villain that they are. If you need some inspiration for this, check out my list of fantastic villain ideas!
Here’s what you need to consider when you’re building a villain backstory:
Personal History
A villain’s personal history is perhaps the most important aspect of their backstory. What was their childhood like? What sort of family life did they have? What influences did they have in their early years?
Formative Experiences: What were the most important experiences and influences in the villain’s childhood and teenage life? What shaped their view of the world?
Family Background: What role did family life play in the creation of the villain? Was it warm and nurturing or abusive and cruel? What values did their family instill in them?
Example: Loki from the Marvel Cinematic Universe grew up feeling overshadowed by his brother Thor and later discovered that he was adopted. His feelings of being an outsider in his own family influenced his later desire for recognition and power.
Relationships
A villain’s relationships are often a major factor for why they do evil deeds. The people they have (or haven’t) encountered in their life can have a profound effect on their personality and motivations. Think about:
Impact of Relationships: How have positive and negative relationships shaped the villain? Was there a friend or mentor who let them down or betrayed them at some point in their life that pushed them towards antagonist actions?
Influential Figures: Who are the major players in the villain’s life that have influenced them on their dark path? Mentors, rivals, lost love etc.
Example: Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader from Star Wars was deeply affected by his relationships, particularly his fear of losing Padmé Amidala. His mentor-turned-enemy, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and mentor-turned-master, Chancellor Palpatine, also played significant roles in his descent into darkness.
Flaws and Strengths
A villain, like any well-rounded character, should have a mixture of flaws and strengths. Flaws make the villain more relatable while strengths make them more believable.
Flaws: What are the villain’s weaknesses, insecurities and vulnerabilities? What are their greatest fears and how do they deal with them?
Strengths: Flaws should be balanced with strengths. What talents, skills or positive characteristics does the villain have that make them powerful?
Example: Dr. Victor Frankenstein from Frankenstein is deeply flawed by his obsession with creating life. Though he succeeds in reanimating the dead, his inability to foresee the consequences of his actions leads to his downfall.
Personality Traits
Personality traits are unique to each character, heroes and villains alike. These traits determine how they will interact with other characters and respond to situations in the story’s plot. Consider their:
Distinctive Traits: What characteristics make the villain stand out from the crowd? Are they charming, cold, manipulative, charismatic? How does this expression in their actions?
Check out this list of villain quirk ideas for inspiration!Behavioral Patterns: How do these traits influence the villain and their decision making?
Example: Hannibal Lecter from The Silence of the Lambs is charming, highly intelligent, and manipulative. His calm demeanor and sophisticated mannerisms contrast sharply with his violent actions.
Life Events
Life events are the most significant moments in a villain’s life, including traumatic events, significant losses or betrayals. Use them to define the villain’s path to evil. Here are some factors to consider:
Traumatic Events: What traumatic events, such as abuse, violence or some kind of disaster, has the villain experienced in his life? How has it changed him or her towards life?
Significant Losses: What significant losses has the villain experienced? Loss of loved ones, loss of status or loss of personal dreams? How has the loss affected the villain? What is the villain’s way of dealing with losses? How do they motivate the villain’s actions?
Example: The Joker from The Dark Knight often refers to his traumatic past (including abusive experiences and personal loss) as reasons for his chaotic worldview and violent behavior. He wants to see the world burn, but it’s his personality and the question “why” that makes him a good villain.
Don’t Do This…
One-Dimensional Characters
Creating villains who are just evil for the sake of being evil is a common mistake. Truly great villains have layers of complexity, motivations and backstories that explain their actions in a story.
Clichéd Motivations
Using overused or clichéd motivations for villains can make them feel predictable. While power, revenge or greed can work, you need to approach them from a fresh angle or combine them with unique personal histories and circumstances. Don’t fall into the trap of using the same old tropes that have been done to death.
No Sympathetic Traits
Take time to give your villains traits that readers can sympathize with. Purely evil characters with no redeeming qualities or relatable aspects can be hard for audiences to connect with emotionally.
Free Backstory Template
Creating a good villain for your story requires understanding their past, their motivations, and the key events that shaped them.
To help you plan out a great backstory for your villain, download the worksheet below. It’s going to help you organize your thoughts so that you have a good foundation of why your villain commits evil deeds and what drives them on their own journey.
Putting It Together
Creating a good villain backstory is really important when you’re writing a story with a villain in it. In this article, we’ve covered many types of villains: The Dark Lord, The Fallen Hero, The Outsider, The Mastermind, The Opportunist, The Anti-Villain, The Nemesis, and The Puppet Master, each with their own motivations and history.
You’ll write complex characters that your readers will love when you take the time to explore you’re villain’s personal history, key relationships, flaws and strengths, personality traits and pivotal life events.
Now it’s your turn to bring your story villain to life! Use the exercises, prompts and templates to get into your character’s head and motivations.
Need more help with your villain’s backstory? Check out my story development services. I can help you develop your characters and your story – click here for more information!