WRITING A VILLAIN 🔥 | How I Developed the Antagonist of My YA Fantasy Novel

Because what's a story without a really good villain?

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Hi, I'm Andrea! I write YA fantasy novels, right now as a passion project but with a goal to be traditionally published. I have a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in English Literature and work in content/social media marketing. Also...I'm a bit of an unashamed coffee addict ☕️

For videos on living abroad and more, subscribe to my lifestyle channel!

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#WRITING #WRITER #BOOKS

Music: YouTube Audio Library

[simplypositive]

Really interesting point of view! I would add 2 things to that
1. Having a 3 dimensional villain is for me really important when I watch a movie or read a book. Most of the time, they're really plain like "I'm the big bad villain and here is my evil plan". They lack of "human" qualities. So maybe a thing to keep in mind when we create a villain is that they're human ? So they have feelings, things they love, things they don't like... And maybe just not writing them just as villains but just as a character, if that makes sens.
2. For me, a good villain is not necessarily the most evil one but the one that challenges the main character the most. So maybe constructing the villain by noticing what would our main protagonist find the most challenging emotionnaly, physically... By finding what would trigger him/her the most.
But I've never written a proper villain, so I guess it's easier said than done !^^

[starshocker]

I must say this video comes in handy for the writer I wanna be. I'd admit that due to the fact that I've been writing pretty short stories till now, I never really saw the point of developing my characters that much ; concentrating more on the surrounding plot. But as I would love to try more of a novel format, I must try and learn how to create a character, protagonist and antagonist, the best way.

[DanicaChristin]

Lol this could have not come at a better time. Have been watch videos on how to write villains all day 😂

[redear]

Hi Andrea,
Wonderful video. Villains is a very favourite topic of mine.
Just one thing. Why did you completely shelve "Legend Falls"? I mean if the villain is not working for you then fix him, make him better. Don't shelve the book.
I write too and finishing a book is ... a pain. All that plotting, character building, worldbuilding and writing (dear god, the actual writing might be the worst part :D). Don't let all that go to waste.
I know you're busy with the Eliana story right now. Even if it's not right now, promise me that someday you will go back to "Legend Falls" and fix it.
And also I don't know if you've already watched it, but Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul (Better Call Saul is Breaking Bad's prequel) may have some of the best villains of all time. Especially Lalo from Better Call Saul is definitely the best villain in the story and may be one of the greatest villains of all time in all media. Just a recommendation.