Their motives matter a great deal. Take Hannibal Lecter from 'The Silence of the Lambs'. His motives are a strange mix of his own warped sense of aesthetics, his love for the finer things in life (which in his case includes human flesh), and his intellectual superiority complex. His motives are not as straightforward as 'I want to rule the world', and that's what makes him a great villain.
A great villain in fiction often has a complex backstory. For example, Magneto from the X - Men series. He was a Holocaust survivor, which shaped his views on mutants and humans. His experiences led him to believe that mutants should be the dominant species, which is a more nuanced view compared to just pure evil. This backstory makes him a more three - dimensional and interesting villain.
The ability to challenge the hero in different ways is key. Like Sauron in 'The Lord of the Rings'. He doesn't just physically fight the heroes. He spreads his influence through the One Ring, corrupting those who come into contact with it. His forces are vast and his presence is felt throughout Middle - earth, constantly putting the heroes in moral and physical jeopardy.
Well, for me, a great villain in fiction has to be really intimidating. Like, they should make the hero or the characters around them scared just by being there. For example, Hannibal Lecter in 'The Silence of the Lambs'. His intelligence and his creepy, cannibalistic nature are what make him a great villain.
They also have clear motives, like Magneto in the 'X - Men' series. Magneto's experiences with persecution as a mutant drive him to fight for mutant rights in a more extreme way. His actions, while villainous at times, are understandable given his perspective. He is not just a one - dimensional 'bad guy' but a complex character with his own set of beliefs and values.
A great villain has to be memorable. Take Hannibal Lecter from 'The Silence of the Lambs'. His calm, intelligent, and yet extremely creepy demeanor makes him stick in your mind. He's not just a brute force villain but one who uses his intellect to manipulate those around him.
Well, for me, a great villain in fiction has to be really menacing. Like Darth Vader in 'Star Wars'. His deep voice, his black suit, and his powerful Force abilities make him look super scary. And he has a clear goal of ruling the galaxy.
Appearance can also play a role in making a villain the best in fiction. Look at Hannibal Lecter in 'The Silence of the Lambs'. His calm and refined appearance, while being a serial killer, is a contrast that makes him all the more disturbing. And then there's the element of mystery. A villain like Keyser Söze in 'The Usual Suspects'. We don't really know who he is until the end, and that mystery keeps us on the edge of our seats and makes him a very effective villain.
A great villain in fantasy novels often has great power. For example, Sauron in 'The Lord of the Rings' has an army of orcs and his own dark magic. His power makes him a huge threat to the protagonists. Another factor is their motivation. Voldemort in 'Harry Potter' wants to rule the wizarding world and is willing to kill anyone who stands in his way. His clear and evil motivation makes him a great villain.
Skill and proficiency are key. For example, an assassin like Agent 47 from the 'Hitman' series is highly skilled in using a wide variety of weapons, disguises, and stealth tactics. This allows him to infiltrate any situation and eliminate his targets without being detected.
Well, first of all, their magical abilities need to be extraordinary. Take Howl for instance. His ability to move his castle and transform himself is quite remarkable. Secondly, their influence on the story. Dumbledore has a huge influence on the 'Harry Potter' story, guiding the characters. And lastly, their growth. Ged in 'A Wizard of Earthsea' grows from a young, impulsive wizard to a very wise one, which makes him stand out.
One key factor is their ability to handle danger. Fictional cowboys like John Wayne's characters were fearless in the face of outlaws and difficult situations. They also have a sense of adventure. Think of characters like Roy Rogers who were always exploring new places and getting into exciting escapades. Additionally, their relationships with others, such as their loyalty to friends and the community, make them stand out. For instance, Woody in 'Toy Story' was extremely loyal to his fellow toys.
Well, in fiction, a great teacher often has unique knowledge. For example, Gandalf in 'The Lord of the Rings' has vast knowledge of Middle - earth's history, magic, and different races. This knowledge allows him to guide Frodo and the Fellowship on their dangerous journey. He imparts wisdom not just through words but also by his actions.