When designing an adventure, there are two obvious methods.
- Construct the plot. Then select an appropriate villain to fit the plot.
- Select the villain. Then construct an appropriate plot around the villain.
This second method is probably the easier and better solution, particularly when using any form of random plot generation. The second method should produce a plot that is character driven, while the first method may produce characters that are plot-driven. Character-driven plots tend to be far more compelling and rational than plot-driven characters. Regardless, with the information provided here, neither method should prove too difficult.
WHY BEGIN WITH THE VILLAIN AND NOT THE HERO?
Villains play the most crucial role in every tale. The villain is even more essential than a hero. A hero is only as good as the villain is evil. Every phenomenal hero requires an equally phenomenal villain. Without a threatening villain, any hero is less impressive.
From an author's point of view, a villain is the foundation of action, adventure, story, and conflict. The villain is the antagonist. As such, he's active and aggressively pursues his goal. The hero, on the other hand, tends to be passive or reactive.
Therefore, a villain initiates action and sets the adventure in motion. Conflict emerges only when the villain's pursuit of a goal or desire interferes with the hero's goal or desire. Without conflict, there is no story, no challenge for the hero to overcome.
From a design viewpoint, each adventure is essentially the villain's tale, not the hero's story. The villain provides a hero with purpose and direction. A villain gives the hero some reason to take action.
Typically, a villain creates an opportunity or circumstance for the hero arise. Rarely does a hero give rise to the villain. However, a villain and a hero generally define one another as mirror images of each other.
Furthermore, villains tend to be far more interesting and unpredictable characters. Heroes tend to be predictable and less interesting because they're reactive. Only from a reader's viewpoint is an adventure the hero's story.
SECRET TO CREATING A COMPELLING VILLAIN
It's all about motive, desire, and denial. A compelling villain deeply desires something, but he's having difficulty seizing the object of his desire, usually because a troublesome hero is constantly interfering with the villain's machiavellian machinations. Unfortunately for the hero, this villain will go to any length, use any means, and stop at nothing to achieve his goal.
Such single-minded pursuit of a goal gives rise to certain questions. What does the villain desire and why does he crave it so badly? Such tantalizing mysteries compel readers to turn the page and read just one more chapter.
At this point, we must determine the villain's goal. Ask yourself, "What does the villain desire? Why does he desire it? And why is he having difficulty acquiring it?" Until you answer these questions you don't have a story!
WHY BEGIN WITH THE VILLAIN AND NOT THE HERO?
Villains play the most crucial role in every tale. The villain is even more essential than a hero. A hero is only as good as the villain is evil. Every phenomenal hero requires an equally phenomenal villain. Without a threatening villain, any hero is less impressive.
From an author's point of view, a villain is the foundation of action, adventure, story, and conflict. The villain is the antagonist. As such, he's active and aggressively pursues his goal. The hero, on the other hand, tends to be passive or reactive.
Therefore, a villain initiates action and sets the adventure in motion. Conflict emerges only when the villain's pursuit of a goal or desire interferes with the hero's goal or desire. Without conflict, there is no story, no challenge for the hero to overcome.
From a design viewpoint, each adventure is essentially the villain's tale, not the hero's story. The villain provides a hero with purpose and direction. A villain gives the hero some reason to take action.
Typically, a villain creates an opportunity or circumstance for the hero arise. Rarely does a hero give rise to the villain. However, a villain and a hero generally define one another as mirror images of each other.
Furthermore, villains tend to be far more interesting and unpredictable characters. Heroes tend to be predictable and less interesting because they're reactive. Only from a reader's viewpoint is an adventure the hero's story.
SECRET TO CREATING A COMPELLING VILLAIN
It's all about motive, desire, and denial. A compelling villain deeply desires something, but he's having difficulty seizing the object of his desire, usually because a troublesome hero is constantly interfering with the villain's machiavellian machinations. Unfortunately for the hero, this villain will go to any length, use any means, and stop at nothing to achieve his goal.
Such single-minded pursuit of a goal gives rise to certain questions. What does the villain desire and why does he crave it so badly? Such tantalizing mysteries compel readers to turn the page and read just one more chapter.
At this point, we must determine the villain's goal. Ask yourself, "What does the villain desire? Why does he desire it? And why is he having difficulty acquiring it?" Until you answer these questions you don't have a story!
Answering those three questions gives the villain a clearly defined identity, clearly defined motives, a clearly defined purpose, and a clearly defined conflict. Story is all about conflict and resolution of conflict.
Next, repeat that process for the hero, giving the character a clearly defined identity, clearly defined motives, a clearly defined purpose, and a clearly defined conflict. Ideally, a villain's goal should be at odds with the hero's goal. This brings each of these two characters into conflict with the other.
INCITING INCIDENT
Before moving on to plot development, we must establish a basic understanding of an "inciting incident". An inciting incident is a critical event that sets the stage for the conflict between hero and villain in a story. This incident creates a sense of urgency that drives the narrative forward and sets the tone for the entire story. Typically, the inciting incident is the moment when the hero and the villain first come into conflict with one another.
The inciting incident can take many different forms, depending on the story. For example, it could be a direct confrontation between the hero and the villain, such as a fight or an argument. Alternatively, it could be an indirect event that sets the wheels in motion, such as the discovery of a clue or the realization of a threat.
Regardless of its form, the inciting incident is a critical component of the story because it creates the tension and conflict that drives the narrative forward. It also provides an opportunity to introduce the characters and set the stage for the larger story arc.
When the inciting incident brings the villain into conflict with the hero, it establishes the core conflict of the story. This conflict creates a sense of urgency and stakes that keeps readers engaged throughout the story. It sets the stage to explore the motivations and goals of both the hero and the villain, creating a more nuanced and complex narrative.
Ideally, this inciting incident should occur as a result of the villain, in the pursuit of his goal, creating trouble for the hero. Conversely. it may occur as a result of the hero, in the pursuit of his goal, creating trouble for the villain.
In conclusion, the inciting incident is a critical moment in any story that sets the stage for the conflict between the hero and the villain. By creating tension and urgency, it drives the narrative forward and keeps the reader engaged. When the inciting incident brings the villain into conflict with the hero, it establishes the core conflict of the story and allows for a more nuanced and complex exploration of the motivations and goals of the characters.
Now, we're prepared to move on to The Quintessential Adventure Plot.
For more information concerning the creation of a compelling villain, see The Quintessential Villain and The Quintessential Character.
Additional Resources
Lester Dent Master Plot Formula
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