Tell me when writing is it OK to...

show the suffering of a villan before they make choices that others see as evil?

I'm thinking it might provide some back story along the way as the plot developes. I would like to humanize my villian in order to show that we too have the capacity to do evil things.

But I haven't read too many novels were the villan demands more attention than the protagonist... Will it shift my stories focus? Can it be done effectively balancing both sides? George Lucus created a prequels dedicated to Vader... Lord Voldemort's story was gradually uncovered in the series with no prequels, but I feel like it wasn't elaborated on too much... Is there a middle ground?

Go for it. Seek balance in all things, though. If you want your protagonist to be the focus of the story and not turn your villain into the protagonist, you might want to dwell less on your villains thoughts and suffering, but ultimately, it's entirely up to you. I personally quite like a more justified or understandably twisted villain. It makes the story more realistic and makes it speak more loudly, I feel.

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Originally Posted by NeoSioType

show the suffering of a villan before they make choices that others see as evil?

I'm thinking it might provide some back story along the way as the plot developes. I would like to humanize my villian in order to show that we too have the capacity to do evil things.

But I haven't read too many novels were the villan demands more attention than the protagonist... Will it shift my stories focus? Can it be done effectively balancing both sides? George Lucus created a prequels dedicated to Vader... Lord Voldemort's story was gradually uncovered in the series with no prequels, but I feel like it wasn't elaborated on too much... Is there a middle ground?

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There shouldn't be a should or should not to any true art form.


Do it as you need to express what you want to and realise your artistic vision. Don't care what is OK or isn't.

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Originally Posted by Carôusoul

There shouldn't be a should or should not to any true art form.


Do it as you need to express what you want to and realise your artistic vision. Don't care what is OK or isn't.

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Exactly. The only reason you should tailor your art is if you are going for a target audience, which is basically commercializing your work. If you are writing for the joy of writing, then you write what you feel is right.

Some of the greatest villains, I believe, are developed in a way that provokes a bit of sympathy. I don't think the reader should always even be told who is the pro- or antagonist. Let the actions and events speak for themselves and remain open to interpretation.

i think it would be fine. just make sure later that you fill in the gaps.

I love it when the villain has MORE of a back story than the protagonist. Definitely go for it.