Motivations
Of late, we have seen a number of films with sinister villains who have used 'evil' means to achieve an end that may not actually be that disagreeable to the audience. This approach allows the writer to demonize an end through the means used. I would suggest the message there is that the ends should never serve to justify the means, I won't delve into the debate on whether the loss of independent freedoms for greater peace/world order is acceptable here. All I will say is that I write here to give voice to my opinions in a forum of others passionate about literature. I imagine that should make my position on the matter quite plain.
Instead, we shall dive into the various motivations of characters within the narrative.
[I want to add here, and wish it to be remembered throughout this article, that not all motivations are constant. People change, and their motivations can be transitive]
The Good
Good guys (here 'guys' will serve as a gender neutral term) should be easy to write, right?
I would say yes, but only if you want a cardboard cutout, stereotype of a character. Real 'good' characters don't merely pop into existence when the narrative requires. They have lives, experiences, beliefs, and opinions; all of which have a bearing on their character. A number of questions that I always ask myself are...
Who are they?
Where are they from?
What do they do for a living? (When not gallivanting about, saving the world.)
Who relies upon them?
Why are they here?
What is their cultural background?
What do they believe in?
All of these questions have a bearing on who the character is, and thus also on their motivations.
There are many possible reasons for why a good guy does what they do. They could be driven by a deep-rooted sense of justice. Another may be seeking to rescue someone. Perhaps (despite being 'good') they seek revenge.
You should also go into some depth about the motivations that the characters have. While the young, blonde hero with the chiselled jaw might have a strong sense of justice that governs his life, but will he really go across the continent in its pursuit, and if so, why? The wife of the local smith may want revenge for her husband's murder, but if the culprit is a prince from a neighbouring kingdom, will she pursue it to the point of risking starting a war? Once again, if so, why?
Also, five people might have similar motivations, but each will pursue them, live by them, and be guided by them to different degrees.
The Bad
The same guidelines apply to the narrative's villains. The Dark Lord didn't just show up one morning and declare war on the world for no reason.
Some baddies are driven by greed, or bloodlust, or a desire for revenge. Others could be driven by the same motivations as their 'good' counterparts.
To go into more depth, let us look at megalomaniacal baddies. Bad Guy X wants to rule the world. More than one narrative has left it at that, and used that motivation to justify the actions of the protagonist. That doesn't really cut the mustard for me as a reader, or writer. Two questions immediately spring to mind: Why do they want to rule the world? How do they intend to go about it?
Perhaps they want to overthrow mega-corporations, and replace the dysfunctional nations with a unified government for all mankind. Not all of us would be opposed to such a goal. How they go about achieving said goal might be what makes them a hero, or a lunatic. Think about some famous historical figures: Caesar, Charlemagne, Genghis Khan, or Churchill. No one is saying that they were nice guys, indeed they did some horrific things. What did they have in common? They were victos, and we all know who history is written in favour of...
I would also hypothesise that we view victors such as these in a certain light as we like to pretend that evil never wins.
A baddie should have motivations that are just as varied and convincing as those of the good guys. Don't forget, bad people are people too.
All the Grey Areas
I am most certainly not the first to say this, but few 'bad guys' do what they do thinking that they are evil, or are committing evil acts. Nearly all antagonists believe that they are doing the right thing. While it may be 'evil' from the point of view of the protagonist, it might still benefit many. World empires weren't founded on malice.
In this grey area I would also allocate those antagonists who are simply acting in accordance with their nature. Non-human characters in particular often fall into this category (especially computers and robots). Even if the actions of such a character are vile or objectionable, they are not evil or malicious per se.
The following is an excerpt from my upcoming novel Erelisia, and features a character who falls perfectly into this category.
Ashtasth
looked absently at its fingernails as it replied, “Why not? I wish to feel the
glory of victory once more. I desire the blood of a weaker race, and to watch
my armies grind your people into dust. I desire power, and domination over all
life.”
The
prince spat, and snarled, “You are evil.”
Ashtasth
paused, and wheeled upon his captive. Its bronze skin began to darken, growing
small spines across its surface, its beautiful features becoming savage. Its
teeth, previously perfect and white, yellowed and lengthened into fangs.
Leathery wings sprang from its back, shredding its robes. The silver
fingernails became talons and its mahogany eyes turned blood red. The beguiling
voice became harsh and filled with rage as Ashtasth said, “No. I am no more
evil than you are good. Good and evil are childish concepts, created by minds too
feeble to face reality!
“All
beings behave as their nature dictates. A snake bites, a lion hunts the sheep,
men wage war, and the strong dominate the weak. I act in my best interests,
seeking to achieve my ambitions, just as you do.” As it spoke, Ashtasth began
to return to its bronze form, beauty taking hold once more.
The
being moved back to its throne, saying, “The Elder Gods gave me life, those who
your kind call the Dark Gods. They gave me the instinct to hunt, and to become
stronger. I cannot deny my nature, no more than night can refuse to follow the
day.”
Ashtasth has a higher level of awareness of its nature, but is nonetheless bound by it.
Ultimately, these are simply my own guidelines which I adhere to as a writer. As a reader I always prefer to read characters who have convincing and relatable motivations.
I hope, as always, that you have enjoyed this week's discussion
Until next time,
N N B Clarke
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