Villainy: What makes a Villain Villainous

There are so many stories in the world, countless tales of heroes and their quest for good. But one of the things that pretty much makes the story is the villain. Yes, "a memorable villain, a terrible foe, a cunning opponent, a vile scourge. The presence of a worthy villain makes not only for a good story, it tells us about the quality and nature of our hero" (www.Wordpress.com). I decided I would do some research and ask around as to what makes a us love to hate these bad guys. So here is a list I devised of different things that can make a villain really cool, and very dastardly.

(A rendering of an archetype of a villain as a late 19th century businessman).

Number 1

Complexity:

So, this one is very broad, but ninety percent of the people I asked said this is what makes a villain good. It is also the key part of any character, it is where they came from, what happened to them, their flaws and what life they have lead. For villains, it is how these events shaped them and how they handled it that really makes them who they are. I think that a more diverse and complex background is what makes the villain, or any character for that matter, very interesting. It shows that they are real, painfully real. These villains have flaws and failures that make them stronger, but if those flaws are exploited, they tend to break down, like any other person. It also shows how we may relate to them and how they could exist in real life to an extent. I believe this rule to be the most important to the villain.

(Azula, Avatar: The Last Airbender).

Number 2

Clarity and Control:

Okay, lets get something clear, there are villains we love and villains we hate like Professor Umbridge (admit it, you wanted her dead more than you wanted Voldimort dead). I think what makes a good, and slightly likable villain, is control and a clear goal. Don't get me wrong, Umbridge was a very effective villain, she was just too effective and not very likable. A more likable and maybe more capable villain has a reason for why they are trying to get what they want. Even more so, they show control and temperance as to what is going on around them. They know the opportune moment as to when they should make a move. They are patient and cunning, they aren't some brat that lets their emotions get the best of them as they traipse around the world whining and demanding things that they eventually get one way or the other. No one likes a brat. That is why villains who have a clear goal that they are willing to wait and struggle for are the best. 

(John Harrison, Star Trek: Into Darkness).

Number 3

Manipulation:

In my opinion, a villain that is truly dastardly, is the one that gets into the minds of their foes and twists with them. Villains that make the hero think that they are in control when the villain is actually just playing the poor fool. These villains don't always have physical prowess, but they make up for it with mind power. These villains need to be in control and they need to know all the facts, or it drives them insane. You can never trust them because of their cynical nature, and they always have ulterior motives. They also seemingly don't have a heart, but they do, and it makes their character so much better when you see that side of them.

(Ben Linus, Lost).

Number 4

Insanity:

This whole rule kind of ushers in a different type of villain altogether. This villain, doesn't quite have a clear goal, they are ambiguous, and they quite plainly just love to wreak havoc and cause anarchy. Whether they have a background or not, it doesn't matter, all they care about is "watching the world burn". These villains do not think that they are insane, as that is the true mark of insanity. They believe that what they are doing is perfectly sane and they are justified within their reasons. They are truly just manic, yet the chaos that ensues can be awe-inspiring at times, (kind of makes us a bit crazy too).

(The Joker, The Dark Knight).

Number 5

Resolute and Determined:

They won't stop, they will not give up. It's quite an admirable quality. They mean business. They do not shy from showing with brutality that they are a force not to be reckoned with. They will go through drastic measures to prove a point (Darth Vader destroying Alderaan). No matter what, they will stop at nothing to achieve their goal, and they don't care who gets in their way. Not only this, but they may tend to become insubordinate in order to obtain their desires, so much as to overthrow their superior, (assuming they have superiors).

(Bane, The Dark Knight Rises).

Number 6

Untrustworthy:

This one is just the icing on the cake for most villains. Of course it is granted that villains will be untrustworthy, but it just hurts more if all they do is back-stab people that actually do (or did) care for them. Not only is it just uncool, but it really just hurts where it counts the most. Usually the untrustworthyness is like the gateway feature that leads the individual into villainy. Lets not forget the cruel scene of Scar pretty much killing Mufasa, and then on top of that, making Simba feel like crap for the whole death, then trying to usurp the throne, things don't get much worse than that.

(Scar, The Lion King).

Number 7

Mystery:

This one is not usually preferred, but I think it can be done right. It is pretty much the opposite of complexity, which makes it a big "No no", however I think that there is an extent of mystery a villain can have before his background is actually shown. Things do need to be explained, but sometimes it's fun just to wonder who the heck this villain could actually be. But if the villain is just a "shadowy figure mired in shadows moving silently in the shadows behind more shadows." (www.Wordpress.com), then that is just no character at all. This is like Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace, sure he kind of kicked butt and he did have that wicked lightsaber, but previous to his origins explained nearly ten years later, he was just a mystery. Mystery can be used effectively if little tidbits of information are gradually released followed by a large plot twist. Then this catharsis of ambiguity and the intake of information make it all the better.

(Amon, The Legend of Korra).

Number 8

Then there is this guy:

Who knows what his problem is, but we all like it. Does he have a plan? Does he not have a plan? He is a consulting criminal who is probably insane. The scary thing is, he could be a real person. He is unbreakable unless broken by himself. Seriously though, this guy has nearly all of the attributes of a villain. I will not go too much in depth of the madness that is James Moriarty because.......well, that is a whole other post in and of itself.

(James Moriarty, Sherlock).

Did I miss anything? (Probably). Let me know if there are any other attributes that should be on this list, or any villains that you just love, and if you are willing, attributes of a nice Hero would be much appreciated.

Thank You everyone!

The Cuteness of Couples: 7 things that make a couple cute.

Out of all the rabbit holes to be lost in throughout the internet, I always somehow find myself lost in the rabbit hole of cute couple quotes and memes. It really got me thinking. What makes a cute couple?   So I have asked around and devised a list of what makes a couple cute.



1: Dress and Apparel:
I know this may not always be accessible for everyone, but I find that couples who dress nicely and approachable just look cuter. Especially if they color coordinate. The colors could be from Blues to blacks, regardless the couple will just look like they are meant for each other. I find that this is why stage couples always look so nice, they have matching color schemes, and also why Prom goers look nice.




2: Height:
Height is an uncontrollable factor and I understand that, and I also believe that regardless of height  you can become a great couple. However, for maximum cuteness the height does matter. The girl should be shorter than the boy, but not too short, just a few inches. If the man is 6'0, she should be somewhere around 5'6-5'8. However, if the couple are equally short, they enter that realm of the short people adorableness and it works.




3: PDA:
Ok, I think we can all agree that when you are walking down a street or in the halls at school and you see a couple making out, it awkwardifies everything. Seriously couples, get a room! But, there are forms of public displays of affection that are cute. Obviously holding hands is a given, and when the guy puts his arm around the girl it looks cute. One that makes us all go "Awe!", is when a girl falls asleep on a guys shoulder.


(By the way: Jim and Pam are one of the best couples.)

4: Behavior:
 It is said that a good couple should "Talk like best friends, play like children, argue like husband and wife, and protect each other like brother and sister." Even more so, couples should be best friends, period! "It's cute when Couples act like Best Friends, and when Best Friends act like Couples". They should always be happy with each other. They finish each others sentences, casually make fun of each other, look at each other in silent agreement, their reactions are the same, and smile at themselves from their inside jokes.



(Yep, I used Jim and Pam again.........)

5: Fun to watch/be around:
You know they are great for each other when they make you laugh when they are together. Their individual awesomeness comes together in an explosion of hilarity and amusement to others. Like when the guy picks the girl up and runs around with her, the girl acts like the mother of the guy when he does crazy things. They usually have great cohesive halloween costumes and go great at themed dances.


(Notice the colors!)

6: Contrast:
It is a universal truth that opposites attract. So when the couples contrast each other in a way it can work to their advantage. A cute nerdy girl and a handsome sports guy can be cute, (like in Our Town or It's A Wonderful Life). I also find that a very outgoing individual and a shy person make a cute couple.

7: Growth:
This is the final and the most important thing to me. I think this last trait out-rules all of the others: They have to grow off of each other. I believe that ultimately a good, cute couple are their best when they are with each other. They bring out the best in themselves by being with eachother and that comes with true love, laughter, and togetherness.


(And this is arguably one of the best couples ever and they were created in about 15 minutes).

Death of a Rose: Scene X

Here is the end folks. It has been fun to write this and it has been fun to have all of you guys read it. Thanks for all the support and comments.

Scene x

fade in

James near the grave of Claire, clutching a rose.

James: Today was hard Claire, I……...I almost did something pretty stupid. I guess, I’ve just lost hope recently, nothing to live for I guess. I almost…….well I almost ended it. (contemplates) But there was this one thing. I was saved, by a homeless woman. Imagine that. She had me look at the sunset. But she said something, the one thing that really got me to step away from the bridge. She told me to think of what my loved ones would think, and I thought of what you might think. Instantly I heard your voice: “James, don’t. There are more important things in life than the important things.” I had to step back. I knew it is what you would have wanted. It’s just hard when the important thing, the more important thing was you. You still are, I know you are gone, but I love you so much still. I’m trying to get by, but like I said, it’s hard. You have helped me so much Claire. Before I met you I just sped through life, not really realizing what I had, until it was gone. I hardly remembered my own father until you came to me. I have learned to see so much out of life now, to get the most out of it. I can’t take things for granted anymore. And I will not. I promise you that Claire. I love you so much, and I can’t let you down while you are gone. Thank you so much Claire…..for everything. (Smiling, and crying, sets the rose on her grave. and walks through the graveyard. Coincidentally he sees Gale, sitting at a gravestone. James goes to her, it is the grave of their father.)

James: (He silently walks up behind Gale). Hey Gale.

Gale: (Startled) James!

James: Oh, sorry…..

Gale: (Smiling now) No, it’s alright, i’m glad you are here, you just scared me a little. Come sit.

(James comes and sits next to his sister)

Gale: How are you holding up?

James: I’m doing better (smiling), I was just um…..talking with Claire, over there. Then I saw you here.

Gale: Oh, that’s coincidental.

James: Yeah. Do you come here often?

Gale: Every week or so.

James: Really? Why haven’t you invited me?

Gale: I did, but you were busy with your museum.

James: Well, i don’t have that anymore.

Gale: You didn’t really need to do that.

James: Maybe not. But I feel I can start something else up.

Gale: You’re like an art historian though

James: Did you not know about my other major? I double Majored.

Gale: I didn’t know about your first major, James. How should I know your second major?

James: How could you not know?

Gale: How did you not remember Dad’s grave was right over here?

James: Touche.

Gale: Well? What is your other major?

James: Economics! (smiling fakely)

Gale: Nuh uh

James: Yeah, it’s not economics.

Gale: Well what?

James: Musical Theatre.

Gale: Really?

James: Yep.

Gale: No….

James: No I’m serious. I wasn’t off in Utah all those years for nothing.

Gale: That’s why you like Utah so much.

James: Yeah, honestly, did you read any of my E-mails?

Gale: I was busy getting married James.

James: That’s right.

Gale: Wow, we don’t know a whole lot about each other.

James: I know, but I’ll fix that. I mean, here we are now, sitting here, with Dad. (points to the grave. It says: Andrew Carter, 1975-2005).

Gale: Yeah, we are.

James: You think he would be proud of us? Probably proud of you.

Gale: (looking at James) No, he would be proud of you. Proud of what you have become now. He loved you James.

James: I know, I guess I kind of forgot for a while there.

Gale: Just never forget it again.

James: I couldn’t. He is proud, of us. Me, and you, and Alfred, and Mom.

Gale: He never knew Alfred.

James: He would like him, I like him. (smiling)

(Gale hugs James.)

James: (flinching) Why?

Gale: I’m glad you’re back.

James: (chuckling and hugging back) Me too.

(hugging….)

James: We  should go visit Mom…..and tell Alfred to come.

Gale: (smiling and un-huggin) Alright.

(They stand, and start to walk out of the graveyard, palling around and Gale hugs James again).

Pan out and crossfade to the rose sitting gently on Claire’s grave. We see the writing on Claire’s grave, it says: Claire Borden, 1989-2014, “One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.”)

The End

Death of a Rose: Scene ix

Scene ix

Cut to James in the hospital, sitting outside of her hospital door.

A doctor comes out with a clipboard and the book.

James: How is she?

Doctor: Well Mr. Carter. Things are grim. We got the bullet out of her.

James: It was stuck inside of her?

Doctor: Well, this book kept it in her. She was shot through this book, so the bullet didn’t go through…..everything. But it’s very bad. With a normal wound, it would have killed her in a matter of minutes, but this book. It bought us time. (Hands James the book. It’s a copy of To Kill A Mockingbird.) There is damage to her liver and one lung. The bullet stopped there. We are doing all that we can. But she doesn’t have much time.

James: (looks up worried) Can I talk with her?

Doctor: I can only let family in.

James: But……….

The Doctor: I’m sorry.

James: She hasn’t got much time, right?

Doctor: I’m afraid not.

James: Please sir. I need to get in there. I love her.

Doctor: (looking into James eyes) Alright go in.

(James walks into the room to see Claire, lying down. Eyes open, struggling to breath.)

James: (now choked up) Claire…….

Claire: Hi...(struggling)....James.

James: (kneeling by her bedside and crying now) Oh Claire, i’m so sorry, none of this should have happened.

Claire: James…..don’t.

James: (takes her hand) I love you Claire, so much.

Claire: I love you to.

James: You are the best thing that has happened to me. And, I just wish none of this happened.

Claire: James…...stop. Just…...live here, right now (coughs). Don’t apologize.

James: (crying still, and giving a slight chuckle) Okay, I will. I will be here with you. I promise.

Claire: I know you will (Smiles, then inhales sharply but then levels out again.) James….whatever happens…

James: Claire…….

Claire: Whatever happens, you will make it through.

James: Oh Claire (cries more).

Claire: Come closer. To me.

(James moves closer, and closer and they kiss, one last long kiss).

Claire: Thank you James. I love you.

James: I love you too.

(Claire, for a moment livens up, her eyes brighten and she smiles, getting one last look at James. As she is content, she closes her eyes, still smiling and dies.)

James: No,Claire? Claire? Oh no………..no……… no…….

fade out

fade in.

James is sitting the the hospital, outside of her room. Alfred comes in.

Alfred: James, is everything alright? (James looks up at Alfred, unable to speak at all, just looking at him, tears in his eyes). Oh…. (he sits next to James, and puts his arm around him) I’m sorry…….

James: I just…..(unable to speak, gives up).

Alfred: It’s alright, just be still.

(They sit there, quietly as James weeps. A couple of minutes go by, and the chief of police walks in.)

Chief: Good news……..we got them.

(James looks up, and is more afraid than before. More sad, then just goes back to weeping.)

Alfred: Um…..could you just give us a moment?

Chief: Yes of course.

Fade out on Alfred sitting with James.

Fade in

Courtroom, the Frank is standing is standing up.

James is sitting in on the hearing.

Judge: …...This is merely a sentencing hearing. Franklin van Wright will serve 10 years in prison for possessing stolen goods, and assisting in the murder of Claire Borden. John Caine will be deported back to his home country and will be tried there for numerous crimes including spontaneous manslaughter of Claire Borden. (The judge slams his gavel and the hearing is over. James stands up, and walks out of the room silently).

fade out.

fade in

Alfred is selling the museum to another curator.

Alfred: To be perfectly clear, the objects of this museum are to stay with the exception of the Temeraire which has been sent back to England. You understand this. Mr. Carter wants it this way. Do I have your word that you will do everything you can to keep this museum running?

Curator: I will.

Alfred: Then it’s all yours. (Holding out the keys, yet finding it hard to let go. He drops the keys into the palm of the curators hand). Goodbye.

fade out.

fade in

James, sitting outside the museum, holding the book, on the same bench that him and Claire sat on 6 months earlier. Solitary and quiet.

Alfred comes and sits by him.

Alfred: Alright, the deed is done.

James: (quietly, almost a whisper) Thank you….

They sit there quietly, staring at the passing cars.

James: Have you ever read this book? (waving To Kill A MockingBird, with the bullet hole in it)

Alfred: Yeah, i have.

James: I was forced to read it in school. And I never understood it. Like I never understood a lot of things. But I finally get one line of it now……

Alfred: What was that?

James: “Mockingbirds won’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy….but sing their hearts out for us. That is why it is a sin to kill a mockingbird.”

Alfred: . . .

James: She never did anything wrong Alfred…..(crying now).....not a single thing. And that man. John Caine…….he just killed her. With no remorse.

Alfred: I’m sorry James…...I’m so sorry. I should not have pushed you to…

James: No! Don’t tell me that, i could not imagine what it would have been like if I never went on a date with her.

Alfred: (Tries to console James a little more, but fails). It’s alright, (pauses) I think we should head over to your moms. Would you be alright with at?

James: (nodding) yeah, okay…..

fade out as they stand up

fade in

James is on the outside porch of their mothers house. Gale walks out to him.

Gale: Hey, how’s it going?

(James does not answer)

Gale: I see. James, i’m so sorry all of this had to happen.

James: It’s my fault…

Gale: No…….

James: It’s my fault, i should not have stolen the painting……

Gale: James, you didn’t steal anything.

James: Yes I did…..yes I did….

Gale: (hugging him) I know we’ve been through thick and thin, and i thought i could level with you on the pain from before. But i can’t tell you I know how you feel James. But I will tell you one thing. The only person to blame is that man. That man who stole that painting.

James: He was hired by Penny to get me back. To steal The Death of a Rose. That’s who hired him. Chief found out yesterday. He was hired because I took The Temeraire from Penny. I guess. Penny just didn’t anticipate the criminal he hired would steal what he wanted. Now Penny is gone too, for consulting. That’s besides the point Gale.

Gale: The point is that that man, him and only him chose to shoot.

James: Because I jumped at him Gale.

Gale: James, enough. I won’t have you blame yourself. It’s not your fault.

James: I…..I just don’t know anymore.

(James just cries more as Gale cradles him).

fade out.

fade in

James is walking at sunset, along a bridge above the Hudson river. He walks to the edge. Standing and peering over the edge. He contemplates. A homeless woman walks to the edge next to him.

Woman: It’s a good sunset isn’t it.

James: Yeah, I guess.

Woman: You didn’t see it.

James: No…..

Woman: Well, quit looking down at the water and look up and behind you.

James: (looks up, to see the sunset)

Woman: Now isn’t that beautiful. I live for these things man.

James: (Contemplating the sunset more) Yeah…..

Woman: (looking at James) Now, I don’t know what you have gone through at all, i just saw you looking over that edge. I’ve seen that look, i’ve had that look. And honey…..it’s not a good look.

James: Why did you come over here?

Woman: ‘cause everyone I see doesn’t ever look up at the sunset, if they just look up and look to the west. They can see, that life is worth living.

James: (Stepping away from the edge) Thank you then….

Woman: Plus, I don’t know why you thought of this, but i’m sure whatever it is, whoever it was, would not want you to do this.

James: (struck by a chord, a tear falls down his face) You’re right. (smiles, thinking of Claire).

Woman: That’s what the sunsets do to people. I’ve been over at my spot for nearly two years, and when I’m down I have that sunset to look forward to. And a nice bench to view it from. Now, come on over to my bench over here, and watch the sunset with me.

(They sit on the bench, they look down the bridge, to the west and watch the sun set.)

(After a minute, James stands and shakes her hand. He smiles gets up and walks away leaving a 100 dollar bill on the bench, this time on purpose).

James: (Yelling back), Thank you!

Woman: Where are you going now?

James: To visit the girl who I care about most!

(The woman smiled, for she had saved a life :) )

fade out