Is it just A Criminal or a true Villein

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Every hero story needs a Villein, and I want you to rate mine.

It may be a bit premature because you will have just met her but I would still love to hear your opinion on how mine stacks up.

Misha Nova

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Villein?

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Penny Lane's picture

Erm, I think that should be Villain.

A Villein was a serf in Norman England, a kind of bondsman who was tied to the land he worked.

I'm assuming that you meant some kind of criminal.

Penny

yep. citing oxford:

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amyzing's picture

villein
Syllabification: vil·lein
Pronunciation: /ˈvilən, -ˌān /
NOUN

(In medieval England) a feudal tenant entirely subject to a lord or manor to whom he paid dues and services in return for land.

Last notable usage in American (-ish) English was Pitcairn's relatively famous proclamation: "Disperse, ye rebels, ye villeins, disperse!" which is also usually misquoted as "villains". Pitcairn was sneering at the low birth of the rebels gathered in opposition, not castigating them as fictional evil-doers. Contrast:

villain
Syllabification: vil·lain
Pronunciation: /ˈvilən /
NOUN

(In a film, novel, or play) a character whose evil actions or motives are important to the plot:
the terrorists are cartoon villains
I have played more good guys than villains

There's only one thing that

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There's only one thing that matters when you're creating a villain. He or she must be utterly convinced that what they're doing is right.

Very few people commit evil deeds for the sake of it. They're motivated by hatred, fear, prejudice, greed, the lust for power, a thirst for revenge or a misguided sense of 'the greater good'. Examining - while not excusing - their actions can be one of the storyteller's most potent weapons.

Ban nothing. Question everything.

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