Not every villain is great — but every great story has a great villain.

Villains often linger in our minds longer than the heroes. Think of The Joker, Voldemort, or Thanos — they weren’t just “evil,” they were complex, driven, and even relatable.

1. They don’t see themselves as villains

A good villain believes in their cause.

Take Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan — a hero to some, a monster to others, but always true to his mission.

2. They have a backstory that explains their choices

In Breaking Bad, Walter White’s transformation from desperate man to drug kingpin was chilling — yet understandable.

3. They reflect something within us

Great villains make us uncomfortable because they mirror our darker thoughts — ambition, jealousy, rage.

Like Henry in The Secret History, brilliant yet morally twisted.

4. They challenge the hero to grow

Villains aren’t just obstacles; they push protagonists into transformation.

Without L in Death Note, Light's descent wouldn’t have been nearly as compelling.

5. They have a philosophy

Erik Killmonger in Black Panther wasn’t only a fighter — he brought real-world ideology to the screen, making his cause hard to dismiss.

✍️ Writing a story? Ask yourself:

• Does your villain believe in something real?
• Could the reader relate to or pity them at times?
• Do they mirror or evolve the hero?