In my studying the natures of heroes and villains, I've come to realize that one thing that distinguishes them from regular characters is their passion to complete specific goals. Most people don't have one defining goal that consumes their lives. However, most villains, and even many heroes, do have such a passion. They want something more than anything else on the scene.
Taken within the framework of the story, such passions drive the plot forward unrelentingly. If other characters deviate from the goal, then the one with the passion pushes them back. It naturally is the villain doing this many times, but the hero sure can do it as well. And the conflict within the story probably is because of the goal being blocked or stymied in some way.
I've always enjoyed seeing such urgency in stories, because it gives me something as the reader/viewer to latch onto. I can understand it, and immediately want to see it happen, or not if it's the villain's goal. It creates immersion within the reader. Of course, if the goal is absurd it's harder to connect with (like wanting to be the first human to live inside a giant jelly donut). But, nothing's impossible so long as the characters want it badly enough.
- M
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