Their distinct appearances also contribute. Like the Wicked Witch of the West in 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' with her green skin and pointy hat. Her look is so unique that it sticks in our minds.
Often, their motives are something we can understand on a basic level, like envy or greed. The Evil Stepmother in 'Cinderella' is envious of Cinderella's charm and kindness, and this relatable yet negative emotion makes her a memorable villain. The way these villains act out of such motives in their stories makes them stay in our memories long after we've read or heard the stories.
The big villains in children's stories are often very different from the good characters. They act in ways that are completely opposite to what is considered good. For instance, in many stories, the villains are greedy or jealous. This contrast with the positive qualities of the heroes makes them stand out. Also, the challenges they pose to the main characters are what drive the story forward, so they are deeply engraved in our memory as we follow the story's development.
The top villains in fiction are memorable because of their extreme characteristics. For example, the pure evilness of characters like Sauron. His desire for total domination and his creation of terrifying creatures like the orcs make him stand out. Also, their unique looks play a part. Darth Vader's black suit and breathing apparatus are iconic. And the way they oppose the heroes, like how Voldemort constantly hunts Harry Potter, creates a great deal of tension and makes them unforgettable.
The Big Bad Wolf in 'The Three Little Pigs' is a well - known villain. He tries to blow down the pigs' houses to eat them.
The Big Bad Wolf in 'The Three Little Pigs' is a well - known villain. He wants to eat the pigs and blows down their houses. He represents danger and aggression in the story.
Iconic villains are memorable because of their distinctiveness. They often have a signature style or trait. Hannibal Lecter's refined yet terrifying demeanor is unique. Their goals are often extreme, which grabs our attention. Ursula's desire to take over the underwater kingdom is very ambitious. And they usually have some sort of backstory that adds depth, like Dracula's origin story.
Their impact on the story and other characters is another factor. In 'A Song of Ice and Fire', Joffrey Baratheon is detested for his sadistic and cruel nature. His actions towards Sansa Stark and others are so heinous that his character is unforgettable. His evil drives much of the political and personal drama in the story.
Their unique personalities. For example, Darth Vader is memorable because of his conflicted nature. He's not just pure evil, but a fallen hero. His internal struggle between the light and dark side is part of what makes him so interesting. Also, the Joker's insanity and his disregard for human life in a chaotic way are unique. His ability to cause mayhem without a clear goal other than just to see the world burn is what sticks in people's minds.
Their loyalty. Like in the story of Charlotte and Wilbur in 'Charlotte's Web'. Charlotte is so loyal to Wilbur that she saves his life with her web - writing. This kind of loyalty is very touching and makes the friendship stand out.
The contrast in their personalities also plays a big role. Take Calvin and Hobbes. Calvin is a rambunctious and imaginative boy, while Hobbes is his stuffed tiger come to life (in Calvin's eyes). Their differences create a lot of fun and interesting interactions. It's these unique interactions that make their friendship so memorable.
Commonly, villains in children's stories are often self - centered. For example, the Big Bad Wolf in 'Little Red Riding Hood' just wants to satisfy his own appetite without caring about the harm to others. They may also be greedy, like Captain Hook in 'Peter Pan' who is obsessed with treasure. And many are cruel, showing no mercy in their actions towards the heroes or other characters in the story.