Hi folks.

Okay, what is it that makes a story, written or "visual", interesting? Is it the "heroes" who struggle through thick and thin to achieve their goal(s)? Is it the "struggle" itself? Or is it the "villain(s)"?

Let's face it, without "struggle" (natural disaster[s] and the like) and/or opponents, read "villains", stories would be about as interesting as watching paint dry and sand blow about in the middle of a desert.

Villains range from "pains in the tail" to absolutely "soulless" killers/destroyers. The greater number of them falling somewhere between the two ends of the spectrum.

To me, there are two villain "types" that are the most fun to work with/have in a story:

One: the villain(s) who are there as the villain(s), no "excuses. no "product of society", they are what they are and are PROUD of it! Ming the Merciless of "Flash Gordon" and Oil Can Harry of the old "Mighty Mouse" cartoons come to mind as examples.

Two: the villain(s) who you have little to no idea which "side of the fence" they are on. At times they work with the heroes, other times not. Long John Silver of "Treasure Island" comes to mind as a real good example of this type.


I've had a few people ask how to determine if one has an "good/interesting" villain and I say that is determined by how many hate/despise/have a REAL interest in said villain. The more disliked the better, in most cases, the villain is.

And when you have such a villain you do NOT ever kill them off! They may appear to have died but....


So, this ole Squirrel says to those who write "Be not afraid to make villains, especially interesting ones!"