As write about my own villains, I am, of course, inspired by a few of my favorites. Here they are (in no specific order).
1. Captain James Hook
The swashbuckling rogue of the Jolly Roger is positively wicked. He is so heartless, he will not hesitate to pursue revenge against children, even if it means killing them. However, he does have a code of living, which is more than can be said of most villains. Hook is always mindful of keeping "good form" and staying true to a standard of honor. In that aspect, he actually isn't totally unheroic. In fact, I've often thought that if his life had played out differently, James Hook would have made an excellent hero. But I suspect I wouldn't love him as much if that were true. He is better suited to dashing wit and his black little heart. (To you naysayers who argue that Long John Silver is a better villain, stop. Stop your crazy right now.)
2. Capricorn
From the Inkheart series, he is the epitome of cruelty. There is not a forgiving, compassionate bone in his body, and I love that. He makes an impression, but I doubt he cares. When you first hear him described, it gives you the perfect insight into who he is.
"How can I explain what he's like? If you were to see a cat eating a young bird, I expect you'd cry, wouldn't you? Or try to help the bird. Capricorn would feed the bird to the cat on purpose, just to watch it being torn apart, and the little creature's screeching and struggling would be as sweet as honey to him."
Power obsessed and indifferent to his obstacles, he is a man who gets what he wants, always. Pitiless and perfect.
(Please, please never watch the movie. It's a joke.)
3. Mrs. Coulter
From the Dark Materials series, she is no Mary Poppins. She is determined and manipulative, and a little desperate at times. I think what I love most about her is her insatiable curiosity. Coulter will go to extraordinary lengths to satisfy that curiosity, and that is something I relate to. She is complicated, as all villains are. Particularly with her relationship to Lyra. She is one of the better examples that evil is not born, but made.
4. Lord Voldemort
Obviously. How many villains do you know that have people afraid to utter their name? What I find most captivating is his utter lack of understanding of love. It is his downfall in the end, and that suits me perfectly. Most villains, despite their actions and pursuits, have some capacity for love. Not Tom Riddle. He is devoid of any attachment, except for his beloved Horcruxes. It tickles me that he would exterminate all of his death eaters, if it weren't for their usefulness in achieving his goals. It is so wonderful when you have a villain that is literally the polar opposite of your hero.
5. Madame and Monsieur Thenardier
Who doesn't love a character that stoops to the lowest of low. Really, they both are complete vermin, and they know it, and they couldn't care less. That isn't how they see themselves. They are cunning, manipulative, indifferent tot he suffering their actions will cause. They do have a certain love for each other, which is solidified by their lust for power and wealth. The Thenardier duo will sell to the highest bidder, and then take them for a ride. Love it.
Who are some of your favorite villains? Leave a comment! I love discovering new ones... :)
