Let’s face it! Traditional villains are so last century, and we have witnessed them all! Those evil lies, twisted mustaches, and plans to destroy the entire planet! However, things have changed recently with the arrival of a new archetype – The Anti-Villain!

Well, everyone knows the bad guys are called villains. But these anti-villains have some distinct objectives and, in some cases, quite favorable ones, rather than simply killing everyone in sight!

Suppose you are watching a movie. And there is a villain with dark and scary eyes, and you are ready to hate them! But wait! They aren’t endlessly talking about destroying the world; rather, they are making a passionate speech about saving the world or ending hunger. Sure, they are planning a few explosions, but for a good cause. And now, you are unsure if you want to boo or cheer.

As storytelling changes, we see the rise of two fascinating archetypes: the anti-hero and the anti-villain. Anti-villains are a distinct and equally fascinating type, whereas anti-heroes like Deadpool or Batman may act immorally to achieve a noble objective.

Let’s go a bit in detail. Read the following blog, where we will be uncovering the ultimate anti-villain definition, what makes them, and why it’s so much fun to support them.

The anti-hero vs. anti-villain debate will also be clarified since, as any superhero who has dealt with both will say, there is a difference. Moreover, we will also provide you with some pointers to help you come up with your very own “bad guy with a good heart” if you are an author or someone trying to come up with the best villain character ideas.

Key Takeaways

1. Who Are Anti-Villains: Anti-villains oppose the hero but have an empathetic motive, adding moral complexity to traditional villainy.
2. Anti-Hero vs. Anti-Villain: Anti-villains are antagonists with admirable intentions or ethical dilemmas, as opposed to anti-heroes, who are flawed protagonists.
3. Characteristics of Anti-Villains: Anti-villains are complicated and appealing due to their relatable weaknesses, uncertain tactics, and distinct moral codes.
4. Popular Anti-Villains in Culture: Figures such as Thanos, Snape, and Magneto challenge viewer’s perceptions of villains by complicating the line between good and evil.
5. Creating Anti-Villains: To keep readers interested, create an anti-villain with a relevant past, demonstrate empathy, and highlight moral uncertainty.

The Anti-Villain Definition – Who are they?

“Look, I am here to stop you! But… But only because you are messing up my huge plan to… save humanity”! Not quite what you expected, huh?

A character that is technically on the other side of the hero yet has enough positive traits to make you ask yourself, “Wait, are they actually… right?” is known as an anti-villain.

Suppose a figure who is planning to take over the world, but only because they are certain that they can make things better if they are in control. They seem to be saying, “Yes, I am doing wrong, but it is all for the benefit of society as a whole! Can’t you see?”

And let’s be real; sometimes, we can even see their point.

Anti-villains have admirable objectives, yet quite surprising ones, like peace, justice, and a somewhat healthier planet, but their strategies are, let’s say, a little out of the ordinary, unlike your typical mustache-twirling villains who are out for revenge or just enjoy being evil.

Moreover, they are incredibly fascinating because they make it difficult to distinguish between good and evil. They are comparable to that friend who, although having the best of intentions, gives you bad advice. Even if you disagree with their strategies, you have to admit that it’s kind of entertaining to support them!

Heroes in Disguise or Just Really Confused Villains?

So, if they are not bad, are they the main heroes?

Now, to be clear, anti-villains can pose as villains, speak like villains, and even engage in fights with our heroes. However, are they actually the decent guys we didn’t expect? Or are they simply bad guys who missed the classes about how to be really bad?

Imagine a traditional villain who is all about chaos and retaliation and who most likely has a snake as a pet and a frightening throne. But an anti-villain, though? They are more likely to be seen rallying for the greater good, even in a way that causes some people to take notice.

They may be seen giving a TED Talk on “Why Taking Over the World is the Only Way to Save It” rather than laughing in the dark.

Are They Truly Heroes in Disguise, Then?

Yes, in a sense! The ability to provoke thought is a unique quality of anti-villains. They introduce the idea of “I’m doing what’s best, even if it seems… a little extreme,” which challenges the straightforward “good versus evil” dilemma. It’s what causes us to stop and, quite strangely enough, support them. You may even begin to feel sorry for them when their well-meaning but ethically gray ideas eventually go sideways.

Think of an anti-villain such as X-Men’s Magneto. Yes, he has the powers, the helmet, and a significant grudge toward humanity. However, why??? He is ready to go a little. Okay fine! He went a lot further than Professor X because he sincerely wanted to protect mutants from injustice. Even if we disagree with his strategies, we can’t help but admire him for standing up for his people.

Or Are They Just Confused Villains?

On the other side, anti-villains can simply be poor at being villains! They simply aren’t able to really commit to the entire “destroy everything” thing, even though they have the means and the charm and sometimes are the evilest lairs. But, it seems as though they attended Villain School but left right before the “Unethical Master Plans” session.

Do you remember the character of Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series? Despite acting and seeming like a villain, he has been assisting Harry the entire time! A true example of an anti-villain. He wants to be feared but can’t help secretly being on the right side.

So, are anti-villains morally upright villains or heroes? Perhaps they are both. They are our unclassified and unpredictable friends that always leave us wondering if they are on our side or against us. But they definitely bring a lot of excitement to the plot!

How Many Types of Anti-Villains Are There?

Following are some shades of an anti-villain you might have seen in movies, series, or even read in books.

1. One with a Strong Beginning

A decent person who has been driven to the edge of their personal boundaries is this anti-villain.

2. The One You Feel For

Even if a likable anti-villain may act badly, their actions are ultimately a result of their surroundings or circumstances. They might have grown up in a horrible environment where they were treated badly as kids, which made them evil adults. If their means weren’t so terrible, you might support them since they deserve to be in different circumstances.

3. The Well-Meaning One

Your “well-meaning” anti-villain, who goes too far in the name of a great cause, is created when good intentions turn corrupt and heroic traits like cunning and persistence are directed at the wrong person.

Going for the “greater good,” these anti-villains usually have a plan to save the world, even if it means suffering countless casualties along the way. For example, Thanos, from Marvel, and his scheme to destroy half the universe so that the other half can prosper.

4. The Person at the Incorrect Time and Place

The hero’s existence is usually the sole reason this labeled “villain” name fits under this category. The protagonist doesn’t give them a free pass, even though their actions may be completely justified, like getting revenge for a loved one or engaging in the corruption that comes with their work.

The Characteristics of Anti-Villains

1. The Anti-Villain Noble

Selfishness is typically linked to villains. They would stab you in the back without hesitation because they are self-interested. However, there are also antagonists who, like Batman, follow moral principles.

These anti-villains are honorable. The cruelty Mr. Blonde exhibits in Reservoir Dogs disgusts Mr. White. In The Running Man, Captain Freedom follows the Gladiator Code. Additionally, while being a violent crime boss, Harry in “In Bruges” has a high code of ethics.

*[Spoiler Alert]*

Harry is right that those who murder children ought to face consequences. Harry begs Ken, his partner, to take Ray out after he unintentionally murders a young boy. He ultimately decides to handle things himself, and at one point, he says that he would have killed himself right away if he had unintentionally murdered a child. He has such a deep belief in the code.

At last, Harry finds Ray and murders him. However, while doing so, a small individual dressed as a schoolboy is struck by one of the bullets. Harry puts the gun in his mouth and pulls the trigger without hesitation because he thinks he has killed a child.

Despite being the antagonist, Harry does not kill without cause. He has a moral code, and he suffers the consequences when he violates it. Harry may be psychotic, but there is a certain dignity to his insanity.

He has rules he doesn’t break!

Because of this, he is more fascinating than a psychopath who murders everyone who gets in his way.

Here’s a tip by best ghostwriting services in USA: Giving your hero and villain a set of values that neither one strays from will help you write your next book. How do they react if they break one of their own principles?

2. The Extremist with Good Intentions

In fact, the next variant, which we’ll call “the well-intentioned extremist,” has admirable objectives. In the end, this villain wishes to make the world a better place, but their strategies for doing so are wrong.

These days, superhero films use this theme. For example, in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, Thanos seeks to eliminate half of all life to restore harmony and balance to the universe.

In Black Panther, Killmonger seeks revenge against those who enslaved and persecuted his forefathers. Although he has every right to be angry, his objective to murder millions of people was wrong.

However, Magneto from the X-Men movies is one comic book villain who could be the most enraged with the world.

*[Spoiler Alert]*

The strongest depiction of Magneto’s past was in X-Men: First Class, where we saw him as a Jewish youngster growing up during the Holocaust. He is subjected to oppression since he was born into a minority group.

We later witness him being persecuted once more as a strong mutant since he was born into a minority tribe. This reference to Magneto’s background occurs during the pivotal battle in Cuba.

As the audience, we are aware of what “just following orders” refers to. We recognize that anyone who witnessed the death of a family member in a concentration camp would wish to take revenge on those responsible.

Magneto has had enough of being persecuted, even as an adult.

Even if he has no problem killing people, we can appreciate the rage. We understand his point of view, even if we disagree with the methods. He is a hero if he uses alternative strategies. However, his rage prevents him from seeing a better way.

Top Ghostwriting services suggest keeping in mind when writing your script that a well-meaning extremist does not necessarily need to have catastrophic effects. All you need is someone who has been pushed too far. They still want a better world. They just can’t see the light any longer.

3. The Pitiful Anti-Villain

The lives of some villains could have been better. But because of a terrible past, they chose to live a life of evil. You feel terrible for them because of their past. You can see how people got to where they are, even though they may still do horrible things.

Oswald Cobblepot, also known as Penguin in Batman Returns, is one example. His parents left him when he was a little child since he was born disfigured. Andrew from the Chronicle has a terrible father at home and is bullied at school all the time. However, not all backstories need to be that intense.

Let’s look at Lotso from Toy Story 3.

*[Spoiler Alert]*

He is effectively running a toy prison in Sunnyside, and we finally find out about his horrible past. Specifically, his child left him behind and replaced him with another Lotso teddy bear.

How many of us have misplaced or forgotten a toy before? Because our toys would feel completely betrayed if we left them somewhere, we can relate to Lotso.

We learn how Lotso ended up the way he did from this really depressing sequence. Although it doesn’t excuse his behavior, learning about Lotso’s past helps us feel a little more familiar with him.

Perhaps Lotso wouldn’t be a dictator at Sunnyside if he had simply been loved or able to go back to his child. That’s what the pitiable anti-villain wants. We are aware that this individual may have been good if only a few things had changed. They had the potential to be heroes.

Therefore, consider a compelling backstory while crafting a touching anti-villain. It should be evident to viewers how the terrible situation led to the villainy they are currently seeing.

4. The Villain in Name Only

The protagonist must face someone or something. The antagonist is often not a naturally bad person. They may just disagree with the hero because of their differing viewpoints. For the villains in name only to work, it should be possible to tell the story from their point of view since their objectives and methods appear to be rather logical.

For example, Javert in “Les Misérables” is eligible as Jean Valjean did violate his parole. Although Javert is technically correct, and we would likely support him in a different scenario, he is a bit too committed to his work for how passionately he pursues Jean Valjean.

Keith from “La La Land” is another antagonist who isn’t truly bad. In fact, he is a very kind man who even hires Sebastian. However, he disagrees with the protagonist on one point. Sebastian wants to preserve jazz’s roots, but Keith wants to take it to the next level.

*[Spoiler Alert]*

Keith is a wonderful example of an opponent who isn’t always “villainous” because he isn’t a bad guy. Simply put, he holds a different mentality than the main character, and if we were to follow the story from his point of view, he would likely view Sebastian as the enemy because he is hesitant to advance jazz.

The name-only villain just serves as a useful reminder that antagonists don’t necessarily have to be nasty. Keith wants Sebastian to explore a different genre of music since he had a dream.

Premium Ghostwriters for books advise that if you ever find yourself with a villain in name only, remember Keith’s persona. Your enemy doesn’t need to be spiteful toward your hero. You may get a lot of mileage out of having someone who just challenges the hero’s ideology by putting forward an alternate viewpoint.

Some Notable Examples of Anti-Villain

1. Zuko vs. Aang in Avatar: The Last Airbender

Villain: Aang and his friends (in Zuko’s eyes)

Anti-Villain: Zuko

Are you a fan of anime? If yes, you might be familiar with Zuko, one of the most recognizable anti-villains from “The Last Airbender.”

He is the exiled prince of the Fire Nation when we first meet him, and his obsession is catching Aang to restore his honor and gain back his father’s approval. At first glance, Zuko’s actions against Aang and the other heroes seem evil since he hunts them down and is committed to completing his purpose at all costs.

The twist is that Zuko isn’t a villain because he enjoys being evil. He is a young guy divided between his growing realization that his father’s principles are wrong and his loyalty to his cruel father. Finding his position in the world and demonstrating his worthiness of love and respect are Zuko’s goals rather than dominating the world or pursuing personal grudges.

Zuko is, therefore, empathetic. Even if he is on the wrong side, we don’t hate him. He is a lost soul who battles opposing principles, and his path to redemption is both heartbreaking and motivational. He shows us that sometimes the “bad guy” simply needs a little guidance and an opportunity to improve as he matures from an anti-villain to one of the show’s real heroes.

2. Severus Snape vs. Voldemort in Harry Potter

Villain: Voldemort

Anti-Villain: Severus Snape

Now, here’s a complicated anti-villain for you. The man who makes all Hogwarts students shiver when the subject of potions class is brought up is Severus Snape. Snape isn’t exactly a peach in his day-to-day existence. He seems to go out of his way to make Harry Potter’s life unpleasant and is snarky and harsh. The surprise is that Snape has been acting as a double agent to protect Harry and help the good side win while Voldemort is out there attempting to take over the world and eliminate everyone he dislikes.

We all question if Snape is truly a hero or just a really grumpy guy who reluctantly does the right thing because of his anti-villain status. In any case, Snape is almost a saint in comparison to Voldemort.

3. Erik Killmonger vs. T’Challa in Black Panther

Villain: T’Challa (from Kill Monger’s perspective)

Anti-Villain: Erik Killmonger

Killmonger is one of those villains who truly makes you ask yourself, “Wait, does he have a point?” He believes that T’Challa and the entire Wakandan royal family are evil because they have gathered wealth and technology that could help oppressed people around the world. What was Killmonger’s idea? By any means necessary, use Wakanda’s resources to liberate humanity from injustice.

His goal is to level the playing field, even if it is somewhat burnt by the end, rather than to destroy the world. Killmonger views T’Challa’s outstanding diplomacy as yet another form of betrayal. Even if he may be approaching the situation incorrectly, he is one of the few anti-villains whom you can’t help but believe has a cause worth fighting for.

4. Thanos vs. the Avengers in Avengers: Infinity War

Villain: The Avengers (From Thanos perspective)

Anti-Villain: Thanos

Even though Thanos destroyed half of the universe, wait, hear him out! He sees himself as resolving a major resource issue. The Avengers are the antagonists attempting to ruin Thanos’s “perfectly balanced” scheme to rescue the galaxy from itself. He’s doing what he truly believes is required for global development, even though his techniques are a little bit excessive.

Consider the Avengers from his point of view. They are stubborn heroes clinging to a chaotic and overpopulated universe. Thanos just wants peace, even if it means, well, reducing a few trillion of population.

5. Mr. Freeze vs. Batman in Batman: The Animated Series

Villain: Batman (in Freeze’s mind)

Anti-Villain: Mr. Freeze

Mr. Freeze is not your average villain from Gotham. His wife, Nora, is cryogenically frozen, and his only goal is to save her until he discovers a treatment for her condition. His intentions are heartbreakingly pure rather than wicked. However, he robs banks and confronts Batman in an attempt to pay for his studies and keep Nora safe.

Freeze believes that Batman is blocking his efforts to save the person he cares about the most. As a result, even if the rest of Gotham sees Mr. Freeze as a cold-blooded villain, we see a man who will stop at nothing to save his wife. Freeze nearly seems like the misunderstood neighbor who got caught in a bad situation, compared to Joker or Two-Face.

6. Shere Khan vs. Mowgli in The Jungle Book

Villain: Mowgli (from Shere Khan’s perspective)

Anti-Villain: Shere Khan

The notorious tiger from The Jungle Book, Shere Khan, is more than just a villain who hates Mowgli. According to Shere Khan, people are a threat to the jungle because they always bring fire, devastation, and chaos with them. He has a personal hatred for people since he has seen firsthand the harm they can cause.

Shere Khan targets Mowgli because he fears and hates humans and thinks it’s the only way to keep the jungle safe. His motivations come from a stubborn sense of home preservation, and he views Mowgli as a threat. Despite his brutality, he is more than just a bad guy. He is a creature shaped by survival and experience.

Writing Advice for Anti-Villain Character Ideas

1. Avoid Clichés

For an anti-villain character to remain distinct and complex, clichés must be avoided. Instead of relying only on characteristics that are predictable, like pure evil or mysterious intentions, take into account sensitivities that blur the line between heroism and villainy.

A strong anti-villain challenges conservative morality and is usually driven by selfless intentions or inner chaos that serves as an excuse for their actions.

Authors can create emotionally compelling and evocative anti-villains that give the plot depth and moral dilemmas by avoiding clichés and using complex characterization.

2. Clarifying Their Objectives

It is important to make an anti-villain character’s goals clear and understandable to the viewer. Unlike traditional villains, anti-villains are driven more by arrogant ideals or aspirations than by outright wickedness.

Even if their objectives may conflict with the hero’s, they are nonetheless pursued. This complexity gives their characters depth, which endorses empathy and makes their actions more relatable.

By outlining their goals and intentions in detail, authors can successfully highlight the moral vagueness that defines an anti-villain. This keeps viewers or readers interested and improves the story.

3. Giving Them a Powerful Personal Code

Giving an anti-villain a strong personal code, a set of values or beliefs that direct their behavior, even when it appears hostile, is an important part of creating an anti-villain.

This code runs against the hero’s principles or social conventions, giving the character more depth and complexity. Anti-villains are interesting and thought-provoking characters in stories because they make decisions that force readers to reevaluate what constitutes right and wrong in a story, rather than traditional villains who are motivated only by power or greed.

4. They Should Challenge the Protagonist

To make the Anti-Villain appealing, make sure they represent a significant threat to the main character. This means developing a character that arouses empathy or understanding in readers despite having objectives that are completely at odds with the hero’s.

Anti-villains usually confuse good with evil, which makes the plot suspenseful. By giving them believable explanations for their actions and giving their hostility toward the protagonist meaning, you may heighten the suspense in the story and create a more interesting storyline.

To Wrap Up

Are you beginning to question every villain you have ever read about? What kind of childhood did Maleficent have? Did Bane just need a hug? Is it possible that the Sheriff of Nottingham was misinterpreted?

Here’s the thing. Anti-villains are awesome. They are unexpected, multifaceted, and far more entertaining to support, even when they are acting in quite bad ways. The line between right and wrong is blurred into an epic mess of moral dilemmas when these characters take us on an emotional rollercoaster ride. And let’s be honest, that is far more entertaining than a straightforward conflict between heroes and villains.

Therefore, the next time you find yourself supporting a villain, consider the possibility that they are actually an anti-villain who is defending a cause that simply requires little changes. The ethical gray area is a whole new world, and to be honest, who wouldn’t want to explore it?

FAQs

What Ghostwriter Services Do?

If a client wants a professionally produced book, these services include writing, editing, and even publishing advice.

Can a Character Have both Antihero and Anti-Villain Traits?

Yes, a character can play both a morally complicated antagonist and a flawed hero at different points in the narrative.

How Can I Think Of The Best Villain Character Ideas?

Start by exploring complex motives, human imperfections, or surprising moral codes. Doing this might help you to get amazing ideas for your villain characters.

Can A Villain Become An Anti-Hero?

Yes, an anti-hero can become a villain based on their behavior and intentions.

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About Author

Hi My name is Micheal Adams, When I am not watching horror movies and helping my kids with homework or reading my favorite fantasy/supernatural novels – I’m writing to guide aspiring authors. I focus on exploring and simplifying both the technical aspects and the often-overlooked details of book writing and publishing so I can empower new writers to climb the Amazon bestseller list and connect with more readers.