A character can be the villain if they have immoral or unethical motives. For example, if they want to steal, kill, or deceive just for their own gain.
A character is a biblical villain in the Christmas story if they oppose the central figure of Jesus. For example, Herod. He felt threatened by the news of the newborn king and took extreme and cruel measures to try to eliminate the threat, which shows his villainous nature.
Appearance can also play a role in making a villain the best in fiction. Look at Hannibal Lecter in 'The Silence of the Lambs'. His calm and refined appearance, while being a serial killer, is a contrast that makes him all the more disturbing. And then there's the element of mystery. A villain like Keyser Söze in 'The Usual Suspects'. We don't really know who he is until the end, and that mystery keeps us on the edge of our seats and makes him a very effective villain.
In a good villain story, the villain should be a force to be reckoned with. Their presence should be felt throughout the story. They need to have a unique personality, like Moriarty in Sherlock Holmes stories. He is extremely intelligent and always one step ahead. And there should be a build - up of tension between the villain and the hero. The story should make the reader or viewer wonder if the hero can actually defeat such a formidable villain.
Strength and intelligence also contribute. A villain who can match the hero in power and wits is more engaging. Like Hannibal Lecter in 'The Silence of the Lambs'. He is highly intelligent and extremely dangerous, making him a memorable villain.
A good villain story often has a complex backstory that explains their motivations. It also shows their growth and development throughout the plot.
Well, a great villain is complex. They might have redeeming qualities or a tragic backstory that makes you understand them, even if you don't agree with their actions. Also, they should be a worthy opponent for the protagonist, constantly pushing them to grow and develop.
A definitive defeat. If the villain is killed in a final battle, like the dragon slain by the knight, then he's not coming back.
Well, a great villain can also be one who creates a sense of dread. Consider Dracula from Bram Stoker's novel. His very nature as a vampire, his ability to turn others into his kind, and his dark allure all contribute to the feeling of dread that surrounds him, making him an excellent villain.
The complexity of their motives. A villainous main character can be interesting when their reasons for being bad aren't straightforward, making us question our own notions of good and evil.
In a great 'the villain origin story', the character's background plays a crucial role. It might be that they grew up in a harsh environment, such as a crime - ridden neighborhood. This could have made them cynical about the world. Another aspect is the influence of other characters. A mentor figure who was actually evil might have guided them astray. For instance, in the case of some villains, they were brainwashed by a more powerful and malevolent entity, which set them on the path to villainy.