We loves them.
Since we already analyzed Gaston from Beauty and the Beast to show what makes a villain truly great, I'm compiling a list of the types of villains/antagonists used in novels.
Here's a rundown of the Various Nefarious Ones:
Queen Bee
The classic high school nemesis.
Movie example: Regina George, Mean Girls
Novel example: Lila Fowler, Sweet Valley High; Blair Waldorf, Gossip Girl
Government/Sekrit Organization
Life's totally unfair.
Movie example: the Paladins, Jumper
(Yes, it was a terrible movie, but I couldn't think of anything better.)
Novel example: the Capitol, The Hunger Games; Specials, Uglies
Self
You're your own worst enemy.
Movie example: Tom Hansen, (500) Days of Summer
Novel example: Lia, Wintergirls
Frenemy
Remember when you had sleepovers and braided each other's hair?
Movie/TV/comics example: Lex Luthor, Superman/Smallville
Novel example: Lauren Wood, Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood
Parents/Family
Unconditional love? Questionable.
TV/novel example: Damon Salvatore, Vampire Diaries
Novel example: Janie's mom, Wake series
The Big Bad
You're a teenager. He's a super villain. Nice odds.
TV example: The Master, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Novel example: Lord Voldemort, Harry Potter
Sucky Circumstances
When shit happens.
Movie example: global warming, The Day After Tomorrow
Novel example: the moon, Life As We Knew It
The Corrupt Establishment
So much for enriching your life.
Movie example: Principal Vernon, The Breakfast Club
Novel/movie example: Miss Trunchbull, Matilda
Psycho Serial Killer
Look out, you're on the list.
Movie/novel example: Bellatrix Lestrange, Harry Potter
Novel example: serial killer, The Body Finder
Any villain/antagonist category I forgot? Where does your nefarious foe fit in? Leave it in the comments!
For a fabulously in-depth look at the character traits that make a dynamic antagonist, check out "Antagonists of many flavors" from Laurel's Leaves.
For more character list goodness, check out FNC posts on:
The Nice Guy
Parents
The BFF
I think my favorite category is the Frenemy. Lots of tension there. Great list! :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome post! I'm writing a dystopian fantasy so my antagonist is so the government.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I love the family angle. I'm in the middle of an MS where I've got a brother and sister who are each other's opposing force.
ReplyDeleteKM - Yep, the Frenemy is tough because they know all your deep dark secrets -- and enjoy stabbing you in the back with them.
ReplyDeleteNicole - Sounds awesome! Mine is contemporary, so it's more family/self.
Cheree - Siblings can be so complicated! I have a pair of sisters who couldn't be more different.
Love to hate them all
ReplyDeleteI love all these character studies. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post! I love them all. Thanks for sharing :D
ReplyDeleteCleverly Inked - Me too! Especially Bellatrix. She does crazy like no one's business.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth and Sara - Glad you enjoyed! I had fun putting it together.
Awesome list! Family and frenemy would have to be my favorite. I love it when you can't tell if the antagonist is a villain, a friend, or a little bit of both! :0
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