Into the Fire

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Passionate: right or wrong. Writes love stories with a passion. Raw Romantic Redemptive

The evil thing . . .

 

How to write evil . . . hmm. Much of the evil portrayed on screen has become a stereotypical monster of either gargantuan physical or psychological proportions and usually with demonic overtones whether acknowledged or not. Novel evil varies from the subtle to extreme but often incorporates stereotypical personalities also with demonic overtones.

Writing evil characters isn't hard per se, but writing authentic characters who are evil can be a major challenge.

It's been suggested by some very good writers both in discussions and in their stories that we're all capable of horrible evil. While I concur we're all capable of terrible sins, not all of us will become serial killers if we don't use self-control. Some of us can't even squash spiders, let alone shoot a bullet hole or jab a knife through another human being. Perhaps our most vile conduct will be conducted in our minds and consists of wishing some diva we work with will break a heel off her designer shoes.

How do you construct evil in your stories?

 

Father, help us to never glorify the darkness but may we portray it honestly and contrast it brilliantly to your Light. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

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5 responses to “The evil thing . . .”

  1. BK Jackson Avatar
    BK Jackson

    Evil takes different forms in different stories. In the manuscript and a half I have finished, it is a very difficult line to walk in writing an evil yet still human adversary.
    We often hear the advice which says something to the effect that the adversary can be evil but you still need to show him as human with at least some trait(s) that make them sympathetic to the reader (like taking a kitten out of a tree or whatever). But, that is still very difficult to do and write the character in an evil way. And I have to find my way on that with each new story–making sure I understand that character inside and out just as much as the protag.

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  2. Normandie Avatar
    Normandie

    I love writing from the pov of the bad guy, but a very fine editor once told me that I needed to find something loveable, some characteristic thing that would keep that particular crazy from becoming a cardboard character. From then on, I had even more fun with him!

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  3. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    One of the most evil and un-stereotypical characters I have ever encountered in my novel reading was “Eenie” in From the Corner of His Eye by Dean Koontz. There was absolutely nothing good/redeemable in this character. Pure evil yet not stereotyped. That was the talent of Dean Koontz right there.
    But I understand that the villain in most stories must sometimes be disguised or conflicted with his inner self. It’s a difficult task to make the villain interesting and compelling. And to keep from making him a stereotype.

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  4. dayle Avatar
    dayle

    What Koontz does is interesting. He puts forth alot of pure evil characters. But it works because he establishes a rationale for their behavior and stays consistent. The rationale is not rational from normal human perspective, but given whatever parameters Koontz establishes, it makes total sense to the character.

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  5. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    You know I’ve only read the book you sent me, Dayle, but I agree with your assessment. Eenie was a narcissistic psychopath throughout the story. Consistent, relentless, utterly evil. And creepy.

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