Villains can, many times, be the most interesting character in a story. Yes, they are terrible people (or beings) that dream of destroying everything good and pure in the world, but who can resist a good villain origin story? But despite them being horrible, there are a couple of things about them that, if applied to a good cause, can be very helpful.
1. First impressions matter
Villains know the value of a good first impression, I mean, name one who didn’t have a great entrance. From the moment they show up on the page, you know they are going to be important. That’s the kind of energy you have to carry yourself with in life. They also tend to have a great style, which is just always a great bonus to have. They also tend to have a great style, which is just always a great bonus.
2. Be Confident
Hand-in-hand with the last point, but no one has more confidence than a great villain. How else would they be brave enough to attempt to execute their crazy plans of world domination if they didn’t exude confidence? Just imagine the things you could accomplish in life if you had the same confidence as some of literature’s greatest villains?
Image via pinterest
3. It is good to have goals
Perhaps we shouldn’t (and by “perhaps” I mean “definitely”) have the same goals that villains do. Nevertheless, having your eye on the prize is key. No matter how far-fetched and ludicrous those plans may be, villains understand the importance of setting goals for ourselves. And, most importantly, no matter how many times they fail, they persist and try again.
4. Don’t follow the crowd
I think it is safe to say that villains are not known for conforming and following along, and we shouldn’t either. We have to make our own path in life, but again, instead of following the path a villain would follow into destruction, maybe follow a more gentle, benevolent path.
Image via bustle
5. Stand up for what you believe in
Perhaps one of the most important defining items on this list. Villains believe wholeheartedly on their cause, and they are willing to give everything up for it (yes, I know heroes do this too, but this is a villains list so bear with me). So, just like they do, don’t be afraid to speak of for the causes that you believe in (good causes only please!).
Bonus: be open to receiving new information and changing your views
Most of the time, villains are so set in on their ideals that it is impossible to reform them. Unlike them, be open to new information (even if it challenges your current views) and to change your opinion on things and your behavior. It’s all about character development!