The Insecure Writer’s Support Group ~ No#87
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time.
The awesome co-hosts for the March posting of the IWSG are: Beverly Stowe McClure, Erika Beebe, and Lisa Buie-Collard!
Don’t forget to visit them and thank them for co-hosting!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Every
month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG
post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a
personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in
your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with
something to say.
Remember, the question is optional!
MARCH 06th QUESTION: Whose perspective do you like to write from best, the hero (protagonist) or the villain (antagonist)? And why?
I’ve always thought it better to write from the hero’s point of view. Writing from the villain’s POV seems tricky, for two reasons: how do you craft a strong villain who does not outshine the hero and how do you maintain the suspense in the story without giving too much away?
I read somewhere that the trick to getting the hero/villain balance is to make the two share similarities, for example, personality traits or a goal. The goal can be shown as being good and bad, depending on how you look at it and what motivation is behind it. Remember too that neither agrees with the other’s method of attaining that goal. Lends itself to a multi-layered story…
Have you ever written a story where your hero and villain share similar personality traits, values or goals?
Happy IWSG Day!
Perhaps one could write a story where the villain does outshine the hero. Maybe play with the ideas of right and wrong, good vs evil, the nature of storytelling. Nah, that’s just crazy talk.
I’ve enjoyed writing shorter pieces with a villain as the MC – definitely a challenge. In an idea that’s lurking in the back of my head, a villain would have his own pov chapters – and his goal and the hero’s goals will connect and cause the conflict. Should be fun when I get to it!
That’s a great point. It reminds me of Professor X and Magneto — their similarities diverge at a certain point and they each embrace a different path. But they both *think* they’re working toward a noble goal.
I’ve never written a story with a villain! This month’s blog hop kinda makes me want to play around with one, though. Maybe for a short story. 🙂
I like writing from both viewpoints.
How to maintain suspense? No matter how hard the villain tries… Well, most of us are programmed to believe the hero will always win. That alone bumps up the tension. How we play with this is up to us. hehehe
I do get your point though and can’t write a great villain without extra work.
Anna from elements of emaginette
Someone else mentioned giving too much away.
Sending them after the same goal is a good way to handle it. Both will think they are doing the right things to attain it.
Sometimes the villain does outshine the hero. What happens when people start rooting for the villain instead? Tight rope to walk.
In the book I’m revising now, they both share ideals. They just interpret them in different ways. 🙂
That’s great advice about the hero/villain. It got me thinking about plot and how, in a way, as a reader, you’re challenged to believe that both have a viable goal.
Great post. Happy IWSG day!
Sometimes I find I’m having way more fun writing my villains than my heroes. I have one WIP where I don’t include any antagonist POVs because they would give too much away. I guess it really depends on the story itself.
I think it would be tricky to write a book from the villain’s POV and create one that you want to work on enough and that others would want to read.
I struggle enough just writing from the hero’s and heroine’s POVs. I’d probably snatch myself bald if I went into the villain’s head. LOL
And if the villain outshine the hero, then we may start rooting for the hero to lose. LOL
I like the idea of sharing personality traits, but using them differently toward a goal. It’s all in the perspective, e.g. how some people will see a person as assertive rather than agressive, or mild-mannered rather than timid.
Thank you for this. I am a bit behind in my IWSG comments for March. Sorry about that.
You ask very interesting questions, here. I like the idea of having the hero and villain sharing the same goal and/or personalities. It would blur the perspective and keep the reader even more on his toes.
Looking forward to reading you next month.
Ooh, I like that idea of having them share a trait. Sort of gives it a “what if” angle -like, what if you used that trait for good or what if you use it for evil.
I agree, Michelle, the out-shining part can be tricky.
“I read somewhere that the trick to getting the hero/villain balance is to make the two share similarities, for example, personality traits or a goal. The goal can be shown as being good and bad, depending on how you look at it and what motivation is behind it.”
The MS I’m writing at the moment does this. Felt very validating 🙂
I think I usually automatically write from the ‘hero’ POV. I do so love a good villain though, especially where you can almost/definitely sympathise with them.