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What are some of the worst ancient villains?

B&A fantasy readers and writers: What are your opinions on female villains?

  • NOTE: This question relates to epic fantasy, not urban. Male villains seem to be used a lot in fantasy books, esp. the evil king/wizard variety. But, are there certain cliches to avoid with female villains? --Do you like female villains? Why or why not? --In your opinion, are they easier or harder to write? Thanks!

  • Answer:

    - I like female villains. Let's get a little girl-power in there, haha! But seriously though, as long as they're treated with major respect and not treated as whores or something to seduce the MC (unless they have a proper reason to, that is! I don't mean to offend some writers on B/A) as if they were male villains, then I'm fine with them. Bellatrix is an excellent example of female villain (HP might not be considered epic fantasy, but she is still a good role model for evil girls everywhere!) - I have four female villains and I think they're just as easy to write from the perspective of/about as male villains. They're just the same as any other characters except, you know, evil. :-) Like I said, just treat them like any other villain and avoid the villain clichés, if you can. Good luck!

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My villain is female. She's one of my favorite characters to write about. You should probably avoid giving her too many powers or over sexing her. The key to writing a female villain - or any female character in that case - is to write her like you would write a man. She shouldn't be to weak or too strong, she needs weaknesses and a goal - other than just tormenting people for the hell of it.

Casey

I agree with BethanyJay. I freakin' love female villains and I always find myself rooting for them. It's kind of like a reversal, know what I mean? When most people think of bad guys, they think of men. It's like a fairy godmother is not supposed to be bad, but in some movies, like Shrek, she is. Did I make sense? I think they are easier to write; they are just like male villians with female qualities.

Celeste [Look out for the onions!]

Female villains are more likely to be re-written; to show they're not really villains. Morgaine in the "Mists of Avalon"; Elphaba Thropp in "Wicked: the Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West." As if women somehow cannot be villains. In answer to your questions though: --Do you like female villains? Why or why not? I like female villains yes. --In your opinion, are they easier or harder to write? They just are. When you form a character, you form their background, dreams, disappointments, motives. I don't see that the process is so very much different for a female character. Are there certain cliches to avoid with female villains? I think there are certain cliches yes. Cliche villains tend to be either the Delilah or the Harridan. The beautiful but evil temptress, or the Ugly embittered crone. Then there is the love-struck damsel who may become the woman scorned. And of course, the woman who kills to inherit a fortune. Avoiding cliches is a matter of how well you have done the background, personality and motivations for the character.

✡ Owl ✡

good and it could be both! you could say that she was 'hot' and tries to persuade guys and kills them. when they bring her home.

Holly Victoria™

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