Episode 248 - Constructing a Multi-Layered Villain with Greta Boris
July 23, 2024
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Greta Boris discusses CONSTRUCTING A MULTI-LAYERED VILLAIN, including how analyzing villains in our previous works can help us understand what does and doesn’t work with readers and how characters' personalities, based on tools like Enneagram, influence their effectiveness as villains. We also explore examples of well-crafted villains from TV shows like Breaking Bad and movies like The Silence of the Lambs. Greta shares insights from her personal writing process and touches on the challenges and nuances of writing morally complex villains.
Greta Boris is the USA Today Bestselling author of The Mortician Murders, a ghosty mystery series, and the soon to be released Almost True Crime thriller series. She's also co-creator of The Author Wheel, producers of books, courses, and a podcast dedicated to helping writers overcome their roadblocks.
Links
Greta's Links:
https://www.gretaboris.com
https://www.facebook.com/greta.boris/
https://podcast.authorwheel.com
Matty's Links:
Affiliate links
Events
https://www.gretaboris.com
https://www.facebook.com/greta.boris/
https://podcast.authorwheel.com
Matty's Links:
Affiliate links
Events
I hope you enjoyed this episode! Who is your favorite fictional villain, and what makes them your favorite? (You can even nominate your own villains!)
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Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, I talk with Greta Boris about the multifaceted nature of villains in storytelling. Our conversation explores various themes, from the allure of playful antagonists to the competition between heroes and villains, offering valuable insights for authors and storytellers.
The Multifaceted Villain
In our discussion, Greta emphasizes that a great villain often possesses layers beyond mere malice. She points out that memorable antagonists, like Moriarty from the Sherlock Holmes series, captivate audiences not just through their deeds but through their complex personalities.
Playfulness and Competition
We discuss the playful nature of villains, using Moriarty as an example. This playful aspect makes the character's interactions with Sherlock Holmes more compelling. This is a broader trait found in other notable villains such as Hannibal Lecter, who engages in an intellectual game with his enemies. This playfulness, combined with a sense of competition, adds layers to their personalities, making them more engaging for the audience.
Beyond the Archetype
Our conversation also delves into the importance of moving beyond archetypical representations of villains. We discuss how adding unique traits and motivations can significantly enhance a villain's depth. For instance, a villain who sees their actions as a game can create a dynamic interplay with the hero, pushing the narrative in unexpected directions.
The Role of Perspective
We touch on how a villain's perspective can redefine the story. By exploring the villain’s mindset and motivations, writers can create more rounded characters whose actions, although villainous, are understandable within their own logic. This approach not only enriches the story but also challenges the audience to see the world from a different point of view.
Key Takeaways
1. Complex Characters: Villains with multifaceted personalities are often more engaging and memorable.
2. Playful Antagonists: Incorporating a sense of playfulness and competition can add depth to villain-hero dynamics.
3. Unique Motivations: Moving beyond archetypes and exploring unique motivations can enhance character development.
4. Perspective Matters: Understanding a villain’s perspective can add richness to the story and offer new angles for the narrative.
The Multifaceted Villain
In our discussion, Greta emphasizes that a great villain often possesses layers beyond mere malice. She points out that memorable antagonists, like Moriarty from the Sherlock Holmes series, captivate audiences not just through their deeds but through their complex personalities.
Playfulness and Competition
We discuss the playful nature of villains, using Moriarty as an example. This playful aspect makes the character's interactions with Sherlock Holmes more compelling. This is a broader trait found in other notable villains such as Hannibal Lecter, who engages in an intellectual game with his enemies. This playfulness, combined with a sense of competition, adds layers to their personalities, making them more engaging for the audience.
Beyond the Archetype
Our conversation also delves into the importance of moving beyond archetypical representations of villains. We discuss how adding unique traits and motivations can significantly enhance a villain's depth. For instance, a villain who sees their actions as a game can create a dynamic interplay with the hero, pushing the narrative in unexpected directions.
The Role of Perspective
We touch on how a villain's perspective can redefine the story. By exploring the villain’s mindset and motivations, writers can create more rounded characters whose actions, although villainous, are understandable within their own logic. This approach not only enriches the story but also challenges the audience to see the world from a different point of view.
Key Takeaways
1. Complex Characters: Villains with multifaceted personalities are often more engaging and memorable.
2. Playful Antagonists: Incorporating a sense of playfulness and competition can add depth to villain-hero dynamics.
3. Unique Motivations: Moving beyond archetypes and exploring unique motivations can enhance character development.
4. Perspective Matters: Understanding a villain’s perspective can add richness to the story and offer new angles for the narrative.