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So, I’ll admit that I love a good bad guy/gal. Maybe that’s
a little twisted, but it makes me a whole lot
For another Harry Potter character, let’s take Snape. The
guy’s got some issues. He’s done some dumb stuff. And to be honest it wasn’t
until the last book that I came to terms with the guy. The rest of the time I
kind of thought he needed some psychological help (though I had some serious discussions
with people who saw the good in Snape from the beginning). Anyhow, what changed
my opinion? What made Snape that layered character that would be so incredible?
His story. Learning about what got him to the troubled spot he was in, in such
heart-rending detail, made me feel sorry for him and understand what drove him.
And it wasn’t just hate and bitterness like Voldemort—nope, it was love and
having to live through loss. Such a good story. But this boils down to seeing
the inner conflict of the antagonist and understanding why they’re that way, to
the point that on some level you might want them to succeed. I mean, sure,
rooting for the hero might be obvious, but the antagonist has a point, too J.
So, the reason I bring this up is because Joan, the
antagonist of Travelers, was kind of
tricky to write, because all the way through the story I found myself almost
wanting her to get her way. She didn’t like the rules she had to live by
because it meant her twin died, so she did something about it. And she did an
amazing job. But there were consequences that made what she did pretty horrible
for Sienna, the story’s hero, which is what plays out in the book. Still,
Joan’s attitude had a completely logical foundation, one based on ideas I could
understand and sympathize with, so there were a few times when I thought about
letting her “win” while writing. The role that Joan plays in the book is one I
really enjoyed exploring…probably because I love a good bad guy.
Who’s your favorite antagonist from a book or movie?
I think that's the trick to writing a good book...making ourselves miserable by making our characters miserable. Our desire is to make everything all hunky-dory asap, but that doesn't make for a good book!
ReplyDeleteI do love a good bad guy too. I like sympathizing with the villain and I know the author has done a great job when I end up doing so.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I loved what you did with Joan. There was so much depth to her character and I really thought you did a fantastic job of conveying the depths of her struggle.
ReplyDeleteA good bad guy. I love thinking of them that way. And that is definitely Snape to a T.
ReplyDeleteLove the juxtaposition of good v bad in a story. Such a great read when can't stop turning the pages to find out who's winning.
ReplyDeleteMy heroes are all bad/good girls and guys -- but it is because that was the way their childhood shaped them. They want to be better than they are -- usually for the ones they love. Good post as always.
ReplyDeleteOf late, watching the TV series TURN about American Revolutionary spies, the character of Captain Simcoe is about the most loathsome character I've had the pleasure of hating!
ReplyDeleteYou do need to feel some sympathy for a villain. In keeping with the Snape angle, my favourite villain of all time is Alan Rickman playing Hans Gruber in Die Hard. When he and the boys break into the vault and Beethoven's music is playing... at that point, you're rooting for him.
ReplyDeleteI love a good bad guys too. You mentioned and discussed some of my favorites. I could go on and on about Snape and the way he was developed. Perfect! I think it is funny that I do not like Voldemort- but I hate Umbridge. I think you are right- it is because I have known people like her (and thank goodness they didn't have a wand). :)
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