ANTI-VILLAIN
An anti-villain is a character with noble goals or good intentions who uses questionable methods to achieve them. Unlike traditional villains, anti-villains have moral complexity, making them more relatable. They often challenge the heroes in unique ways, adding depth to the story.
(bluerosestone.com)
Anti-villain often challenges protagonists morally, forcing them to confront their own beliefs.
How to write an anti-villain?
→ give them more complex motivations compared to usual villains
→ make them do things that aren't always bad
→ give them sympathetic traits and struggles
→ show how they're feeling about what they're doing
→ show their emotions, thoughts and vulnerabilities
Tropes:
Pragmatic villainy: when a villain either refuses to do something horrible or does something nice, because it's in their best interest to not act the maggot this time
Incidental villain: only actually do something truly antagonistic occasionally; most of the time they aren't doing anything particularly bad, only when necessary
Affably Evil: A villain who is genuinely polite and friendly in spite of being evil
Big Bad Slippage: The main villain isn't a villain at the start of the story and becomes one over time; they often have tragic and/or sympathetic motives for turning evil
Driven to Villainy: The villain becomes a villain because of traumatic experiences
ANTIHERO
Traditional heroes are frequently morally honest, altruistic, and valiant, embodying virtues that society values. Antiheroes, on the other hand, are more likely to be flawed, act selfishly, or battle with personal difficulties. While a standard hero has a clear moral route, an antihero’s journey is more convoluted, frequently featuring questionable decisions.
(bluerosestone.com)
How to write an antihero?
→ give them more flaws and difficulties
→ make their actions morally gray
→ make them grow
→ give them an internal struggle that drives their actions
→ give them an arch - either positive (redemption) or negative (destruction)
Tropes:
Good Is Not Soft: Even straight-laced heroes can get brutal when dealing with evil.
Guile Hero: Some trickster heroes are more underhanded and dishonest than others, even on the side of good
Justified Criminal: An otherwise good person forced by circumstances to break the law (i.e. stealing to live).
Punch-Clock Hero: They're only a hero because it's their job, not because they want to be one.
Reformed, but Not Tamed: The villainous character turns to the side of good, but they retain their villainous qualities
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