How to Create a Compelling Villain: Advice from a Developmental Editor! (Self-Editing Series)

Today, Rebecca teaches us how to write compelling villains, how to write character arcs, and how to make your character strong as we explore crafting compelling antagonists in this latest episode of the 52-Week Story Savvy series. Rebecca Hartwell, founder of Hart Bound Editing [http://hartboundediting.com], joins aspiring author Agnes Wolfe from Authors’ Alcove [http://authorsalcove.com] to break down how to write a good protagonist, avoid weak villains, and ensure your antagonist drives the plot effectively.
This episode explores how to craft an antagonist that truly challenges the protagonist, strengthens the story’s stakes, and prevents conflict from feeling contrived. Rebecca shares expert insights on building motivation, avoiding cliché villains, and ensuring the antagonist actively opposes the hero while maintaining depth and complexity.
This Episode Covers:
The biggest mistakes writers make when creating antagonists—and how to fix them.
How to write a compelling antagonist that drives conflict and tension.
Avoiding one-dimensional or cartoonish villains.
Ensuring the antagonist pushes the protagonist toward meaningful growth.
Balancing villainous motivations to make them believable and engaging.
Why a strong antagonist makes the protagonist’s journey more satisfying.
How to craft an antagonist that resonates with readers while keeping them truly dangerous.
Whether you’re writing your first book or refining an existing manuscript, these strategies will help you build an antagonist that elevates your story and keeps readers engaged.
Recommended Resources:
Story Grid – [https://storygrid.com]
Developmental Editing Services (Expert Feedback) – [https://hartboundediting.com]
Authors’ Alcove Membership Site – [http://authorsalcove.com]
Book Giveaway – [http://authorsalcove.org]
Intro
What Makes a Great Antagonist?
Does an Antagonist Have to Be Like Sauron or Voldemort?
How Is Creating a Classic Villain Different from Other Antagonists?
Should I Have Just One Main Antagonist?
How Do I Ensure My Antagonist Effectively Pushes the Protagonist?
Should a Fantasy Villain Be Sympathetic or Purely Evil?
How Do I Handle an Antagonist’s Motivations Over a Series?
Does Genre Influence the Type of Antagonist I Should Use?
Should a Villain Believe They Are the Hero of Their Own Story?
What Are the Biggest Mistakes When Writing an Antagonist?