“A villain must be a thing of power, handled with delicacy and grace. He must be wicked enough to excite our aversion, strong enough to arouse our fear, human enough to awaken some transient gleam of sympathy. We must triumph in his downfall, yet not barbarously nor with contempt, and the close of his career must be in harmony with all its previous development.” – Agnes Repplier

If I asked you to describe a perfect world, would it include a villain? A world filled with goodie two shoes would leave no room for scoundrels.

Would the world be a much better place without deception lurking in shadows? Days and nights would make their rounds with little or no surprises. What would be gained without a villain creating uproar and havoc among those with perfect lives?

Truth be told, we love to hate the villain. We can’t live with them, but we can’t live without them. Something about them excites us. We sit on edge anticipating their next move.

My first book, SOUTHERN LACED: DANCE, introduced the reader to a villain by the name of Attorney Matthew Reese. This man wreaked of wealth, power and respect. He knew what he wanted and exactly how to get it. Attorney Reese was always one step ahead of the game.

Feedback from readers showed that they hated he was above the law. Coincidentally, it kept them coming back for more. No matter what devilment he got himself into, they enjoyed the fact that they loved to hate him.

What makes you love the villain? Is it because he’s untouchable? Is it because of his good looks and charm?

Attorney Reese had good intentions. His goal was to love and protect his family. How often do we do things in the name of love and loyalty for our family and friends?

I grew up watching soap operas with my great-grandmother. So I was exposed to serial dramas at an early age. I wanted my character for Attorney Reese to capture the sneakiness of Vicky Hudson from Another World, the arrogance of Victor Newman from Young and the Restless and the power of Stephano DiMera from Days of Our Lives.

Overall, you have to admit that villains add just enough spice to a mundane existence.

Who’s your favorite villain that you love to hate?

Copyright © 2014 Kelly Stone – All Rights Reserved.