#[ character development ]
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✨ whoops I did it again ✨
#writeblr#writing#creative writing#writers on tumblr#writerscommunity#fiction#character development#writing prompt#dialogue prompt#female writers
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Writing Tips: An Unforgettable Villain
A villain is the antagonist of your story whose motivations and actions oppose the protagonist and drive the plot of your story.
A villain is the opposite of a hero. In contrast to the hero, a villain is usually compelled by a desire to commit acts of cruelty and immorality.
Bestselling author Dan Brown advocates for writing your villain first—even before your hero—because it is the villain who will make the hero heroic.
Tips for Writing a Great Villain in Your Novel
Choose a real-life model. Find a real person to model your villain after. It could be someone you know, a person from history, or a famous serial killer. Try writing a brief character sketch in which you list their positive and negative attributes, their physical appearance, and their state of mind. Once you’ve done some brainstorming, be sure to differentiate your fictional character from your real-life model (you don’t want to get sued!). You can do this by changing identifiable elements like name, age, and specific actions or events.
Put yourself in their shoes. When it’s time for your villain to act, put yourself in their place. Think about challenges or hardships that might tempt people to act out or behave badly. How do you react to bad things? Tap into those emotions and try to apply them to your villain.
Consider their motivation. Just like with your main character, determining your antagonist’s motivation can help you unlock other aspects of their character, such as their goals and their personality.
Introduce a villain with a bang. A strong introduction to your villain sends your reader a clear message that this character is malicious. In Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield features an unforgettable introduction to antagonist Uriah Heep, whose seeming politeness is overshadowed by a face so shocking and ugly that it is described as “cadaverous.” His introduction immediately establishes the character as a villain.
Characteristics of a Good Villain
Every great hero needs a great villain. Villains are the antagonistic force of your story that challenges your hero and drives the action. Most great villains share a common set of characteristics.
Strong connection to the hero. The best villains are inextricably connected to the hero, and aid in the hero’s character development through their inherent opposition to them.
Clear morality. Every villain needs to have his own morality. If a villain spends part your story killing people, you need to give him or her believable reasons for doing so. Make the reader understand exactly what desperation or belief has driven him to it. For instance, in Ray Bradbury’s dystopian novel Fahrenheit 451, primary antagonist Captain Beatty’s mission is to find and destroy books because he believes that books cause people to reject the stability and tranquility of a life of conformity. He has a strong moral point of view, and the reader believes that he believes he is doing the right thing by trying to burn books. After all, every villain believes they are the hero of their own story.
A worthy opponent. A great villain should be a strong and worthy adversary to your hero. They shouldn’t be weak and easily beaten, nor should they be so powerful that they can only be defeated by random chance. In Sherlock Holmes, his arch-nemesis Moriarty is a criminal mastermind who is every bit as smart as Sherlock. Having a villain who is in many ways equal in skill and intelligence to your hero will raise the stakes of their encounters, as it creates a credible threat that your hero might be bested.
Compelling backstory. Any good villain should have an interesting and credible backstory. In addition to creating a deep and more three-dimensional villain, a memorable backstory allows ourselves to identify and even sympathize with the villain. For example, the Gollum character in The Lord of The Rings trilogy used to be a normal hobbit until he was corrupted by the power of the One Ring. In addition to deepening the character by showing us the full breadth of his journey from virtuousness to wickedness, Gollum’s backstory forces us to consider how we are sometimes tempted by bad or unethical forces in our own lives.
Villains should be fun. Let’s face it: evil villains are fun. In Thomas Harris’ Silence of the Lambs, readers hold their breath whenever Hannibal Lecter appears on the page. Whether it’s their black-hearted sense of humor or their odious worldview, our favorite villains possess qualities that we love to hate.
Source ⚜ More: References ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs ⚜ Villains
#villain#character development#writing tips#writeblr#literature#writers on tumblr#writing reference#dark academia#spilled ink#writing prompt#creative writing#writing advice#character building#writing inspiration#light academia#writing ideas#writing resources
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PRETTY PRETTY PRETTY PLEASE hsr men reacting to seeing their baby for the first time when they’re born??? PLEASE ITD MAKE MY WHOLE YEAR WITH AT LEAST JING YUAN AND BOOTHILL
(No pressure, do only if you’d like :))
A Promise to Protect
Tags: Jing Yuan, Boothill, Family, Parenthood, Emotional Growth, Soft Moments, Character Development, Fatherhood.
Warnings: Emotional Content, Vulnerability.
Jing Yuan stood at the doorway, watching as the nurse gently placed the newborn in his arms. His eyes softened, a rare tenderness flickering across his calm expression. He had fought countless battles, led armies, and orchestrated peace, yet none of it compared to the quiet, fragile life now cradled in his hands.
The baby’s small form wiggled slightly, its innocent face scrunched in a mixture of confusion and discomfort, yet it was the most beautiful thing Jing Yuan had ever seen. He carefully adjusted his grip, ensuring the newborn was secure, his fingers brushing against the soft, delicate skin. For a fleeting moment, the weight of his past decisions—the wars, the alliances, the responsibility of the Xianzhou—seemed distant, as if they belonged to another person entirely.
Jing Yuan’s usual composed demeanor softened. His voice, normally a steady, calming force, became almost a whisper as he spoke to the baby.
"Welcome, little one..." he murmured, his gaze lingering on the tiny face. "The future is now in your hands."
Despite his calm exterior, there was a glimmer of something deeper in his eyes, a promise of protection, a promise of guidance. He would give everything to ensure this child would live in a world where peace and wisdom reigned, even if he had to face the challenges of time himself.
The baby’s tiny hand reached up, grasping his finger, and for the first time in centuries, Jing Yuan felt something he had long forgotten: hope.
Boothill stood at the entrance of the makeshift shelter, his mechanical arm clenched into a fist as his other hand gripped the wooden frame. He had been through countless battles, had seen the worst the galaxy had to offer, and survived more than any living being should. Yet nothing, nothing could have prepared him for the sight of the baby in his arms.
It was a fragile, wriggling bundle—nothing like the fierce, vengeful existence he had built for himself. The tiny life in his arms, with its soft skin and the faintest trace of his own features, struck him with a weight he had never known.
He gazed down at the baby, his shark-like teeth clenching, trying to hold back the storm of emotions that threatened to rise in him. For a moment, Boothill’s icy demeanor faltered. This wasn’t the revenge-fueled, merciless man that had become a bounty on his head. This was something entirely new—vulnerable, raw, unfiltered.
He gently rocked the baby in his arms, his voice gruff but steady as he muttered, "I won’t let ‘em hurt you, kid. Not like they did to my family."
The baby, with its tiny fists clenched, let out a soft coo, and for the first time in years, Boothill felt his heart beat in a way he couldn’t explain. It wasn’t for revenge, it wasn’t for justice—it was for something pure.
"You're gonna grow up strong, just like me," he said, his voice low and filled with a fierce determination.
Boothill had spent his life chasing revenge, but in that moment, holding the baby in his arms, he realized there was something worth fighting for beyond vengeance. This child would be the reason he fought from now on.
#x reader#honkai star rail#hsr#honkai star rail x reader#hsr x reader#jing yuan honkai star rail#hsr jing yuan#jing yuan x you#jing yuan x reader#jing yuan#boothill#hsr boothil#boothill x reader#boothill x you#boothill x y/n#family#parenthood#fatherhood#emotional growth#soft moments#character development
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prompt 2582
"What are you doing in there?"
"I had nowhere else to go."
#daily writing prompts#fiction#writing#writing prompts#writing practice#writing inspiration#prompt#creative writing#character development
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Would be neat to try answering oc asks.
oc asks: not-so-nice edition
alone: How does your OC deal with loneliness? Have they ever been completely alone before? How do they act when there's no one around to see them?
betrayal: Has your OC ever been betrayed by someone they thought they could trust? Has your OC ever betrayed someone who trusted them?
bound: Has your OC ever been imprisoned or captured? What happened? How did they get out? Did the experience leave any scars?
break: What would cause your OC to break down completely? What do they look like when that happens? Has anyone ever seen them at their lowest?
desire: What's one thing your OC wants more than anything in the world? Are they open with that desire? Why or why not? What would they do to fulfill it?
failure: What's your OC's greatest failure? Have they been able to move past it? Does anyone else know about it?
fear: What is your OC's greatest fear? What do they do when confronted with it? Are they open with their fear, or do they hide it away?
future: What's the worst possible future for your OC? Are they taking steps to avoid that outcome? Are they even aware it's a possibility?
ghost: Who or what haunts your OC? What happened? How do they live with their ghosts?
guilt: What is your OC guilty about? How do they handle their guilt? Do they try to avoid guilt, or do they accept it?
hate: What does your OC hate? Why? How do they act towards the object of their hatred?
heartbreak: Have they ever had a relationship that ended badly? Experienced some other kind of heartbreak? What happened?
hide: What does your OC hide? Why do they hide it?
hunt: Who or what is your OC hunted by? A person, a feeling, a past mistake? Is your OC able to let their guard down, or are they constantly alert?
mask: Does your OC wear a mask, literally or figuratively? What goes on beneath it? Is there anyone in their life who gets to see who they are under the mask?
midnight: What keeps your OC up at night? Do they have nightmares? Fears? Anxieties? What do they do in the small hours of the morning when they should be sleeping?
mistake: What's the worst mistake your OC ever made? What led to them making it? Have they been able to fix it? How have they moved on?
monster: Is your OC monstrous in any way? Is there something that makes them monstrous? Are they aware of their own monstrosity? Do they accept it or reject it?
nightmare: What does your OC have nightmares about? How do they deal with their nightmares? Do they tell people, or keep it to themself?
pain: What's the worst pain your OC has ever felt? Do they have a high pain tolerance?
secret: What's one secret your OC never wants anyone to know about them?
skin: How comfortable is your OC in their skin? Do they grapple with anything that lives inside them—a beast, a curse, a failure, a monster? How do they face the smallest, weakest, most horrible version of themself? Are they able to acknowledge it at all?
torture: Has your OC ever been tortured? Would your OC ever torture someone else?
wound: How does your OC handle being wounded? Are their wounds mostly physical? Mental? Emotional? What's the worst wound your OC has ever experienced?
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which oc would regret choosing immortality immediately?
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#gravity falls#dipper pines#mabel pines#character development#original characters#demon ocs#Mac#hymnal#Bo#digital painting#digital sketchbook
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which oc is some kind of animal (a hybrid, shifter, other animal-like creature)?
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You’re right that that was shitty of him, and please note that I stated specifically that his behavior was not entirely selfless. Please note that in the time after WWX’s split from the Jiang Clan, JC is subjected to (and falls for) a lot of manipulation from people like Jin Guangshan. The man is gaslit to hell and back—and he’s very easy to gaslight.
I also think the whole dynamic shifts hugely after Yanli’s death, too. When she dies, something between JC and WWX, as well as within each of them, breaks irreparably. The initial split from the Jiangs was mostly play-acting, but shijie’s death made it real. I’m going to make this into its own post, so I won’t get into it very far here, but Jiang Cheng doesn’t handle grief well.
I should also mention that the original post has a limited temporal scope. Jiang Cheng’s motivations for his various decisions differ throughout his life, as the circumstances change and as he as a person changes. Teen Jiang Cheng, young sect leader Jiang Wanyin, and the fearsome thirty-something Sandu Shengshou are all different people. I’m not the same person as I was at age ten, and I’ll be a different person at eighty. I was specifically talking about that initial “defection” from the Jiang Clan, not about the subsequent breakdown of relations or the First Siege of the Burial Mounds or anything else.
The difference between JC and WWX is not really the difference between selfishness and selflessness, so much as it is between the scopes of their altruism. Basically, Jiang Cheng is acutely aware of his own limits and feels the need to protect those closest to him—his family, his sect—rather than try to help acquaintances and strangers at the direct risk of those closest to him. Jiang Cheng doesn’t think that the Wen remnants deserve torture and death, but to get involved on their behalf would be politically dangerous for so recently decimated a sect. Saving strangers could endanger his surviving family and the disciples under his charge. His position as clan leader comes with power but also significant constraints.
WWX makes the same calculation and finds that since he is NOT the sect leader, he can intervene on behalf of the Wens and ultimately endanger only himself. WWX asked to be cast out of the Jiang clan to protect the Jiangs, and JC accepted his resignation for exactly the same reason… to protect the Jiangs. Because no matter what, JC has to put duty first. Jiang Cheng’s frustration is that Wei Wuxian refuses to stay under the umbrella of his protection, and goes where he cannot follow.
Does that mean JC is entirely selfless? Of course not. I’ll get into JC’s various self-sabotaging actions later, but for now let’s leave it at this: after he becomes sect leader, all of his choices are constrained by that deeply ingrained obligation.
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First, I love your blog!
Second, How do you go about writing about characters' sexualities and gender orientations without making it their defining and only characteristic?
Thank you!
Hi, and thank you so much! ❤
When writing about characters’ sexualities and gender orientations, the main thing to keep in mind is to make their character just as complex and well-rounded as any other. Here's how I'd approach it:
1. Start with an overall profile.
One method that could work for you is to flesh out things like personality, motivations, backstory, hobbies, goals, fears, weaknesses, flaws, strengths, and their role in the story before deciding on this element of your character. Create a well-rounded profile before deciding on sexuality or gender orientation—and this is not to say that these traits are not just as important to a character's identity, but this approach could help avoid stereotyping or making their entire character built around that.
I've found this works well in other cases, as well; for instance, a comment on a previous post explained how they decided to make their character POC after they had finished developing their personality and backstory in order to avoid stereotyping. If you fully develop who they are as a person, their identity will naturally fit into their story rather than overshadow it. (See my post on character profiles for more tips and elements to include!)
2. Reveal it naturally.
Instead of flatly stating a character’s identity, try revealing it naturally through dialogue, behavior, or relationships. For instance, a character casually referencing a past girlfriend or sharing their pronouns during introductions feels more organic than an expository declaration.
3. Make it part of their experience.
While a character’s sexuality or gender may influence how they navigate the world, it doesn’t need to drive the entire plot unless the story is explicitly about those themes. The character might face societal or internal struggles, but they could also just be solving a mystery, pursuing a dream, going on a quest—give them a good, solid arc, like you would for any other character.
It's important to focus on relationships, too. Show how their orientation or gender plays into their relationships, whether romantic, platonic, or familial. Do they have a supportive best friend? A strained relationship with a family member? A mentor who’s helped them with self-acceptance? These sorts of dynamics will help add depth and make their identity feel woven into the overall fabric of their life.
4. Avoid the "token" trap.
If a character is the only one in the story with a specific identity, their representation can feel forced or spotlighted. Building a diverse cast with layered characters is important so you don't have a single character who's carrying the weight of representation on their shoulders.
5. Do your research.
If you’re writing about an identity outside your own experience, make sure you understand it deeply. Research lived experiences, read books or watch media by creators with that identity, and consult sensitivity readers to ensure your portrayal is respectful and accurate.
Overall, it's about portraying characters as whole, multifaceted people—to make their identities a significant part of them without being everything. Hope this helped!
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#ask#writeblr#writing#writing tips#writing advice#writing help#writing resources#creative writing#character development#character writing#deception-united
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Visual Writing Prompt #004
“King Arthur”
If you liked this visual style of writing prompt, please follow along!
Each day I try to post
a dialogue writing prompt
a word of the day graphic
an aesthetic writing prompt (like this one!)
As always, feel free to reblog to play tag games! ✏️
#writeblr#creative writing#writers on tumblr#writerscommunity#fiction#character development#writing prompt#dialogue prompt#female writers#writer blog#king arthur#camelot#princess gwenevere and the jewel riders#love story#merlin x arthur#writing inspiration#writer life#tumblr writers#fiction writing#setting inspirations#writing community#moodboard aesthetic#moodboard#moodboards#aesthetic#medieval#the knights of the round table#knights of guinevere#knights of the round table#sword in the stone
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When your Character...
Gets into: A Fight ⚜ ...Another Fight ⚜ ...Yet Another Fight
Hates Someone ⚜ Kisses Someone ⚜ Falls in Love
Calls Someone they Love ⚜ Dies / Cheats Death ⚜ Drowns
is...
A Ballerina ⚜ A Child ⚜ Interacting with a Child ⚜ A Cheerleader
A Cowboy ⚜ A Genius ⚜ A Lawyer ⚜ A Pirate ⚜ A Spy
A Wheelchair User ⚜ A Zombie ⚜ Beautiful ⚜ Dangerous ⚜ Drunk
Funny ⚜ In a Coma ⚜ In a Secret Society ⚜ Injured ⚜ Shy
needs...
A Magical Item ⚜ An Aphrodisiac ⚜ A Fictional Poison
A Coping Strategy ⚜ A Drink ⚜ A Medicinal Herb ⚜ A Mentor
Money ⚜ A Persuasion Tactic ⚜ A Quirk ⚜ To be Killed Off
To Become Likable ⚜ To Clean a Wound ⚜ To Self-Reflect
To Find the Right Word, but Can't ⚜ To Say No ⚜ To Swear
loves...
Astronomy ⚜ Baking ⚜ Cooking ⚜ Cocktails ⚜ Food ⚜ Oils
Dancing ⚜ Fashion ⚜ Gems ⚜ Herbal Remedies ⚜ Honey
Mushrooms ⚜ Mythology ⚜ Numbers ⚜ Perfumes
Roses ⚜ Sweets ⚜ To Argue ⚜ To Insult ⚜ To Kiss
To Make False Claims ⚜ Wine ⚜ Wine-Tasting ⚜ Yoga
has/experiences...
Allergies ⚜ Amnesia ⚜ Bereavement ⚜ Bites & Stings
Bruises ⚜ Caffeine ⚜ CO Poisoning ⚜ Color Blindness
Facial Hair ⚜ Fainting ⚜ Fevers ⚜ Food Allergies
Food Poisoning ⚜ Fractures ⚜ Frostbite ⚜ Hypothermia
Injuries ⚜ Jet Lag ⚜ Kidnapping ⚜ Manipulation ⚜ Mutism
Pain ⚜ Paranoia ⚜ Poisoning ⚜ More Pain & Violence
Scars ⚜ Trauma ⚜ Viruses ⚜ Wounds
[these are just quick references. more research may be needed to write your story...]
Writing Resources PDFs
#requested#writing reference#character development#writeblr#dark academia#spilled ink#writing prompts#writing inspiration#writing ideas#creative writing#compilation#fiction#light academia#literature#writers on tumblr#writing prompt#poets on tumblr#writing tips#writing advice#writing resources#updated: december 2024
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ultimate character development template
basics
name: meaning of name: nicknames/titles: age: gender: location: birthday: strengths + example where it's shown: weaknesses + example where it's shown: how it affects others:
emotional depth
attachment style + how it manifests in the story: physical fear: emotional/abstract fear: happy memory: sad memory: object of significance: philosophical outlook/belief: what characters are ignorant about themselves: how confident are they: goal: long-term dreams: what they're embarrassed/ashamed to tell others about: regrets: source of pride: source of misery: what they admire above all else: do they believe in fate:
personality
mbti: enneagram: big five: character archetype: star sign: who they pretend to be on the outside: who they actually are/how they feel towards the mask: mental health conditions: how it manifests for them: iq: eq: humour: reputation:
habits
bad habits: mannerisms when stressed: mannerisms when content: mannerisms when scared: mannerisms normally: verbal mannerisms/distinctive speaking style: how do they move across a room: what do they say and what remains unsaid: how they express love: hobbies:
appearance
defining features: eye shape + colour: hair texture + colour: skin texture + tone: vibe: height: build: clothing: any bodily disfigurement (scars, etc.): overall attractiveness: their opinion on their appearance: appeals to:
relationships
who they trust most: what they wish they could do for them: what's holding them back: who they hate most: what they wish they could do to them: what's holding them back: relationship with the protagonist: relationship with the antagonist: siblings: relationship with them: parents/step-parents: relationship with them: previous broken relationships: why did it break: what others expect of them: who believes in them: their mentor character/who they look up to: political/religious/other affiliations: what makes them different from every other character: non-human relationships + why: romantic "type" + why: relationship dynamics:
backstory/background
primary emotion towards their past: primary feelings while in their past: where did they grow up: defining incidents: earliest childhood memory: saddest memory: happiest memory: major accomplishments: their opinion on it: notable people in their backstory: effect on them today: trauma: what have they already lost: financial circumstance:
progression
why are they important (eg. why're they the only one able to do something?): what do they learn about themselves throughout the story: what do they learn about the world: how do they feel towards their newfound knowledge: character arc (positive, negative, neutral): how relationships change because of their actions: what mistakes do they make: what scene is their character highlighted: do they get what they want: why or why not: what happens to them after the story ends:
#character development#creative writing#writeblr#writing ideas#writing#writblr#character design#character description#character template#writing help#writing advice#character sheet#writerscommunity#writers on tumblr#writers and poets#writer stuff#ao3 writer
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Writing Notes: Villain Archetypes
Many of the great villains that oppose classic heroes fall into a handful of villain archetypes:
Anti-villain: The anti-villain is a villain archetype in which the bad guy has a sympathetic motivation or appealing characteristics. In the same way that an anti-hero is ostensibly a good guy with villainous or immoral tendencies, an anti-villain may have justifiable, noble goals or even a good side. Example: Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs (portrayed by Anthony Hopkins in the film version).
The beast: A classic villain whose goal is to terrorize and attempt to defeat the main character, the beast is a literal monster. This type of villain cannot be reasoned with and is often found in the horror or science fiction genres. The whale from Moby Dick and the shark from Jaws are examples of this type of villain.
The bully: Bullies serve as simple, straightforward opposition to the protagonist. This character archetype is sometimes marked by a backstory that explains their mean and oppressive tendencies, such as a childhood marked by abuse or insecurity. Other times, they are simply mean for the sake of being mean. Examples include Nurse Ratched from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Fletcher from the film Whiplash.
The machine: The machine is similar to the beast, with one major difference: It is a technological construct and is therefore lifeless and incapable of pain, fear, and emotion. The machine can often be found in science fiction thrillers—like Ultron in Avengers: Age of Ultron or Arnold Schwarzenegger’s robotic killing machine in The Terminator.
The mastermind: The mastermind opposes the protagonist by overseeing a brilliant, diabolical master plan. They are a gifted schemer and evil genius who attempts to defeat the protagonist mentally as opposed to physically. Great villains in the mastermind tradition include Hans Gruber from Die Hard and Lex Luthor from the Superman series.
Evil incarnate: This villain personifies evil itself, offering little in the way of character development or backstory. This type of evildoer serves as an obstacle to the hero’s journey and is primarily found in fantasy and superhero genres. Examples include Sauron from The Lord of the Rings, Darth Vader from Star Wars, and the Joker from The Dark Knight.
The henchman: The henchman exists to do the dirty work of someone else, usually the mastermind or another major evil character in the story. They are functionally the sidekick of the main villain. Though they usually lack the villain’s brains, they make up for it in brawn. Examples include Boba Fett from Star Wars and the monkeys from The Wizard of Oz.
The fanatic: The fanatic’s villainy is driven by an extreme ideology. Oftentimes, they are propelled by religion or a twisted moral belief that gives them fuel to carry out their twisted mission. The serial killer John Doe from the movie Seven is a true villain in the fanatic tradition.
Tips for Writing Compelling Villains
When it comes to writing villains who transcend cliches, there are 4 techniques that can elevate your writing:
Make sure your villain has a strong connection to your hero. A true villain is inextricably connected to the hero and aids in the hero’s character development.
Make them a worthy opponent. A great villain is a strong and worthy adversary to your hero, directly opposing the hero archetype of your protagonist. The villain shouldn’t be weak and easily beaten, nor should they be so powerful that they can only be defeated by random chance. In the Sherlock Holmes stories, Holmes’s arch-nemesis Moriarty is a brilliant criminal mastermind. Having a villain who is equal in skill and intelligence to your hero will raise the stakes of their encounters, creating a credible threat to your hero.
Put yourself in your villain’s shoes. When it’s time for your villain to act, put yourself in their place. Think about challenges or hardships that might tempt people to act out or behave badly. How do you react to bad things? Tap into those emotions and try to apply them to your villain.
Consider your villain’s motivation. Why does your villain want to rule with an iron fist? Why do they want to put the damsel in distress? As with your main character, determining your antagonist’s motivation can help you unlock other aspects of their character, such as their goals and their personality.
Source ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs ⚜ Villains
#villain#character development#writing tips#writeblr#literature#archetypes#writers on tumblr#writing reference#dark academia#spilled ink#writing prompt#creative writing#writing advice#character building#writing inspiration#light academia#writing ideas#writing resources
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20 Compelling Positive-Negative Trait Pairs
Here are 20 positive and negative trait pairs that can create compelling character dynamics in storytelling:
1. Bravery - Recklessness: A character is courageous in the face of danger but often takes unnecessary risks.
2. Intelligence - Arrogance: A character is exceptionally smart but looks down on others.
3. Compassion - Naivety: A character is deeply caring but easily deceived due to their trusting nature.
4. Determination - Stubbornness: A character is persistent in their goals but unwilling to adapt or compromise.
5. Charisma - Manipulativeness: A character is charming and persuasive but often uses these traits to exploit others.
6. Resourcefulness - Opportunism: A character is adept at finding solutions but is also quick to exploit situations for personal gain.
7. Loyalty - Blind Obedience: A character is fiercely loyal but follows orders without question, even when they're wrong.
8. Optimism - Denial: A character remains hopeful in difficult times but often ignores harsh realities.
9. Humor - Inappropriateness: A character lightens the mood with jokes but often crosses the line with their humor.
10. Generosity - Lack of Boundaries: A character is giving and selfless but often neglects their own needs and well-being.
11. Patience - Passivity: A character is calm and tolerant but sometimes fails to take action when needed.
12. Wisdom - Cynicism: A character has deep understanding and insight but is often pessimistic about the world.
13. Confidence - Overconfidence: A character believes in their abilities but sometimes underestimates challenges.
14. Honesty - Bluntness: A character is truthful and straightforward but often insensitive in their delivery.
15. Self-discipline - Rigidity: A character maintains strong control over their actions but is inflexible and resistant to change.
16. Adventurousness - Impulsiveness: A character loves exploring and trying new things but often acts without thinking.
17. Empathy - Overwhelm: A character deeply understands and feels others' emotions but can become overwhelmed by them.
18. Ambition - Ruthlessness: A character is driven to achieve great things but willing to do anything, even unethical, to succeed.
19. Resilience - Emotional Detachment: A character can endure hardships without breaking but often seems emotionally distant.
20. Strategic - Calculative: A character excels at planning and foresight but can be cold and overly pragmatic in their decisions.
These pairs create complex, multi-dimensional characters that can drive rich, dynamic storytelling.
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#writing tips#writing advice#character development#writers on tumblr#writeblr#creative writing#fiction writing#writerscommunity#writing#writing help#writing resources#ai assisted
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