One of the most interesting characters can be the original heroine of the story. In 'reincarnated as a villainess fanfiction', she might be portrayed in a different light. Maybe she's not as perfect as she seemed in the original. The villainess's family members are also interesting. For example, a brother who is overprotective in the original story might become an ally in the fanfiction. And let's not forget the mysterious wizard or mage characters who might have a role in the reincarnation process or help the new - turned - good villainess along the way.
One important character could be the villainess' former rival or enemy from her past life. Their interactions in this new life could be full of tension and drama. Also, there may be a mentor - like figure, perhaps an older witch or a wise noble, who helps the villainess understand her past and change for the better. And of course, her family members, whether they are supportive or part of her past problems, are important characters too.
One main theme could be redemption. Since the protagonist is a reincarnated villainess, she might be trying to atone for her past wrongs in her previous life. Another theme could be power struggle, as she might have been involved in complex power dynamics in her dark history.
One common plot device is the protagonist using her knowledge from her previous life to avoid the original villainess's bad end. For example, she might change her attitude towards the male lead or other characters. Another is the discovery of hidden powers or abilities that the original villainess didn't know about, which helps her gain an edge in the new world. Also, the creation of new relationships that were not present in the original story, like befriending characters who were once enemies in the original plot.
A common trait is also being manipulative. The villainess will try to manipulate the situations and the people around her to get what she wants. She might manipulate the male leads by lying about the protagonist or creating misunderstandings between them to drive a wedge in their relationship.
One of the virtues could be her intelligence. In many villainess novels, the so - called villainess is often very smart. She is able to outwit those around her, even if her actions are sometimes misinterpreted as villainous. Another virtue might be her determination. Despite facing various difficulties and the negative perception of others, she continues to strive for her goals.
They are also presented in contrast to other characters. While the other characters may be weak - willed or overly dependent, the villainess with her virtues stands out. Her independence, for instance, becomes more obvious when compared to those who constantly seek help. Her loyalty, even if misplaced at first, makes her character more complex and interesting as it evolves throughout the story.
Surviving as the villainess in such a novel could involve changing your character's actions. Instead of being mean and conniving as the original villainess, start being kind. This can change the way other characters perceive you. Also, use your knowledge of the story to your advantage. If you know there's going to be a war, you could start preparing for it in advance, like stocking up supplies or training secretly. It's all about outsmarting the plot.
Well, a major theme is love and relationships. In 'I favor the villainess novel', it shows different types of love, not just the typical romantic love. There's also the theme of power and how it affects the characters. The villainess might have a certain power or influence that changes the course of the story, and it explores how she uses or is affected by that power.