Home
Editor's Blog
Your Sample Edit
DIY Editing
Craft of Writing
Self Publishing
Resources and Gifts
Pesky Problems
Writing Contest
Free Courses
FAQ
Author Stories
Book Reviews
Articles on Writing
Meet Me
Site Map
Free Newsletter
Advertise Here
Terms
YOUR Turn
Search This Site
Just For SBIers
For Editors
[?] Subscribe To This Site

XML RSS
Add to Google
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Subscribe with Bloglines

Righteous Heros and Villians.

by Ariana Hart
(NJ)

Sure, we all love the all around good guy and the bad guy with a die hard vengeance. However, it is a played out cliche. Try this for both:

-Give them a similar cause, but have them go about reaching it differently (example: From X-men Charles Xavier and Magneto both want mutant acceptance, however, one believes in collaboration with the "enemy" (normal humans) while the other believes the enemy is inferior and incapable of cooperation)

-Make them relateable: Don't just make them buff hunks/ hot babes and deranged lunatics in their mid 30's. Not all of us look like a million bucks or a misunderstood bank accountant. Make them real; make them into everyday people with personality. Perhaps our protagonist is a stubby, school janitor with nine fingers due to a wood shop accident in the 11th grade and his counter part is a self absorbed football jock who defaces school property. They don't have to be completely superficial.

-Give them limits. As stated, they are humans. They have strengths and weaknesses. Try to become that villain and that hero and, like in a game of chess, act out every move they are going to pull off next. Don't make the villain go omniscient or else how can you hero defeat him/her? Work heavily along their weaknesses: whether it be to rubidium sulfide or plain chocolate, make it something they will undoubtedly fall for...just not too willingly. (Remember, they have to put up a fight too, it's chess...)

Click here to post comments.

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Writing Tips
.