Do all villains have a tragic backstory?

So yes, it’s interesting to learn a villain’s motivations, but not every villain needs to have some tragic backstory that explains all of their awful actions. Some of these villains are just evil, and that’s the end of it.

Why do villains always have a sad backstory?

The reason for this is simply because we all see an inspiration for our own redemption in real life. Deep down we know we are all flawed. And if the movie villain can shed his past behind and shun the darkness, so can we. Redemption of an antagonist is sometimes more celebrated than victory of a protagonist.

What makes a villain tragic?

A type of Anti-Villain and the ultimate Deconstruction of the Villain, a Tragic Villain is completely aware of their evil but is unable to stop it, or must continue to do evil for other reasons. Compare to Well-Intentioned Extremist, who commits evil actions in hopes of producing good results.

Why do characters have tragic backstories?

But most importantly: it immediately adds conflict. Whether that conflict is internal or external, the character that has just been introduced now has some modicum of conflict, and in doing so propels the story forward. Tragic backstories actually are immensely helpful for writers.

What are some tragic backstories?

A dead loved one: parents, siblings, best friend, spouse and children, or a whole Doomed Hometown. Physical and, sometimes, sexual abuse by parents or lover. Being abandoned by one or both parents. Being tortured or raped, or being Forced to Watch it happen to a friend or loved one.

What is a tragic anti-villain?

Tragic Villain: They’re aware that their villainous actions are wrong, but believe (rightly or not) that they have no choice but to continue doing them. Trapped in Villainy: Would like to quit villainy, but there is a threat of death over failures in evil or attempts to leave.

Do villains have a tragic past?

Villains who were evil creations from the start with a lack of moral agency, but were in circumstances that only increased their villainy even more. Villains who do indeed have a tragic past, but that tragic past happened whilst they were already villains (e.g. Waluigi and William Afton ).

Why do villains have such different back stories?

Whether you root unabashedly for villainous characters or just love to hate them, most of us admit that antagonists have fascinating back stories. Some of our most compelling villains got that way because of childhood trauma, abuse, crushing disappointment, or a perceived injustice they just couldn’t get over.

What mental illness do most villains suffer from?

These villains often suffer from extreme heavy amount of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and become Delusional, Insecure and/or Egotists because their experiences twist them towards insanity; many of them can also be Fallen Heroes and/or Vengeful, if not both. Some may even become Addicts because of their experiences.

Why do villains become addicts?

Some may even become Addicts because of their traumatic experiences. There are three ways to deem a villain as tragic: Villains with painful backstories giving them negative emotions and shaping them into destructive and hateful beings.