Iconic villains

I was thinking about movie villains, and how some iconic villains have almost impossibly short screen time yet overshadow the entire movie. A couple of examples are: Darth Vader (Star Wars), and Hannibal Lecter (Silence of the Lambs). Even if you haven't seem the movies, I'll wager you all know these two characters. The incredible part is how little they are seen. Darth Vader--18 minutes of 121 minutes total; Hannibal Lecter--16 minutes of 118 total. Yet, these two villains are part of every moment in these movies due to their amazingly powerful characterization... so much so that in the next films they each played a far greater role.

What makes villains instantly memorable? Why do some capture the public's attention with seemingly no effort? How can we do the same as we create our own villains?

 

Probably the single most important answer is the author knew precisely who and what these villains were before writing a single sentence. They feel real from the moment they appear because the author already believes in them. The actors play a key aspect as well, since they provide the visuals, but since Darth Vader is a man in a suit it's mainly his characterization that gives this feel. Also the villains have clear motivations which the audience understands immediately (Darth Vader wants the plans for the Death Star back, and Hannibal Lecter wants to sadistically toy with the FBI agent).

 

The other thing is there is very little backstory to these villains. Sure, there "seems" to be, but as an audience we are given precious few bits of it. In studying villains, I've noticed that many don't really have much information as to why or how they came about. They are mostly "now" characters who are part of the story but not explained. I'm fine with that. After all, my favorite villain of all time is Maleficent (from the old animated Sleeping Beauty) who shows up and does mean and ugly things, then does it again and again. They're evil and love it.

 

My advice to authors is to make a villain you totally believe in and then write the story. The audience will follow along like puppy dogs.

 

- M