Do you ever find yourself siding with the “baddie” in books, tv shows and movies? I know I do.
Let’s take a look at ‘who is who’s, or perhaps more aptly, ‘what is what’:
Villains: The anti-hero, antagonist, evil character who drives the plot by upsetting the apple cart (or killing things). Generally a villain is a character that has a tough backstory like family cruelty, or they might be cruel by nature. Sometimes the best villains look like everyone else, and aren’t so obvious as they blend in around them.
Monsters: Usually less-evolved than a villain, a monster is most likely a melted-face or creepily clad creature of the night. Perhaps lacking in articulate speech, a monster might be more likely to use blood-curdling screams or poisonous jabs of a barbed tail to communicate.
But why do we love a good villain or monster? Great question, Loren! I’m glad you asked.
Sometimes the hero or protagonist is just too smart for their own good. Or maybe the plot was going just fine and dandy. Either way, when a well-written villain or monster appears on the page or on screen, it is a natural reaction to sit up straighter. Clutching our pearls or popcorn, the baddie can create so much drama that the reader or viewer gets a physical reaction. Sweaty palms, shallow breathing… I will never forget the first time I first saw my favourite villain appear in the illustrated book of Disney’s Sleeping Beauty … Maleficent! Gah, I still get chills down my spine.
Who’s your favourite book villain or monster? Here are some that come to mind:
Only A Monster by Vanessa Len
In this YA series, the protagonist struggles with the concept of being a monster by nature while longing to be on the right side of morality instead. Vanessa turns the norms upside down by creating a character who must come to terms with her monstrous self to save her family.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
In this prequel to The Hunger Games series, the reader gets drawn into the world of Coriolanus Snow. Whilst the character is genuinely a nice person, the pressure from being backed into a corner results in some terrible decisions and disastrous repercussions. This all helps to shape him into the villain we know as President Snow.
The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice
Where to begin! All of the characters are villains in some way, some more than others. We have the adorably evil Lestat de Lioncourt, casually cruel. We have the Vampire Queen, Akasha, coldly indifferent to the lives of others. All have back stories that are rich and varied, and totally engrossing.
Sharp Objects by Gilllian Flynn
‘This family isn’t nuclear. It’s toxic...’ reads the blurb of this book. With a cast of multi-layered characters, the author creates a gripping story of mystery and creepy puzzles. There is more than one villain in this book, and each of them have their own disturbing qualities.
The Witcher Series by Andrzej Sapkowksi
Heck! There are so many villains here, but I’d love to highlight the varied monsters. Some are from Polish folklore, some I believe are straight out of the author’s imagination. Bruxas, Dragons and Kikimoras… slimy, scaly, creepy, and cranky! I love them all. Even when reading in full daylight I’ll be clutching a cushion for support.
In conclusion, no matter who your favourite is, I believe there is a bad egg out there for everyone. Who’s your ideal villain or monster and why? Share with us below!
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