How to Make Supervillains

Last Updated: September 16, 2021

They're the ones you love to hate and hate to love. Yet, some of us can't help but be drawn to them. If you are one of those people, and you are interested in making your own dastardly bad guy, this is the thing for you.

Note: The term SUPERvillain means better than just average villains so they probably have super powers.

Sample Character Description

Sample Villain Brainstorm

Sample Villain Backstory

Sample Excerpt About Villain

Method 1

Method 1 of 1:

Making Your Own Supervillain

1
Focus on the look of the Supervillain. The possibilities are endless. You can make it human, super-human, or it doesn't even have to be a human.
- Determine if it is a male or female.
- Try to stay away from bright colors. A cape is a good touch, but it's not necessary.
- Make it either a creature or have them morph into a shape-shifter for extra effects. Shape-shifters are characters that go from a basic form, such as humans, to different creatures (like Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty).
2
Figure out what powers your villain will have. He/She could have elements of water, fire, earth, nature. But don't let the basic elements hold you captive. Be creative and make up your own power. If not, try considering things like electricity, superhuman strength, telekinesis, flight, ice, darkness (a good one), or anything you want. Combining more than one power is also possible, but don't make it too strong. Remember, the good guy should always win...for some reason.

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3
Think of the evil plot they will have, as every bad guy has one. The whole "Taking Over The World" thing is outdated. Be more original. For example, Magneto (X-Men) was seen as evil because he was tired of humans treating him and all mutants like trash. Mr Freeze (Batman) had the whole story with his wife - if you watched the movie, you'd know. Nevertheless, let the villain have a good, genuine reason for being so mean (e.g. jealousy, alienation, revenge, protection).
4
Give them an evil laugh. A laugh is a confirmation of their power, so it has to suit them. Pick it out carefully. You could choose the deep Dracula kind of chuckle for the guys, the high toned witch cackle could suit some females, but not all. Others would rather prefer the lower mysterious laugh, that is sometimes even confused with a giggle. There are countless choices.
5
Consider a henchman. In complex plots, henchmen have their very own personalities and would not be considered as part of the super villain. But if the story is short and simple, a henchman can be limited. Give them a basic good quality - e.g. brains, strength, speed, obedience, bravery - and a basic bad quality - e.g. stupidity, clumsiness, cowardice. They don't have to look like the villain, but it would be good if they shared some characteristics or ideas. They could have, for example, the same goal and reason to be doing such dastardly crime.
6
Give them a weakness or something that will be their downfall afterwards. It could be a physical thing, like Achilles' heel, or a mental or inner flaw like greed or jealousy. He could have also been betrayed. But don't let it be an accident, his or her defeat. The point is to teach people that crime does not pay, so let his loss be by flaw. Throughout the story, show signs of his flaw, as Caesar showed signs of his arrogance throughout the Shakespearean play, and it was this flaw which caused him to die. He wasn't a Supervillain, but yours should, as Caesar, perish in the end.
7
Give your villain some connection to your hero. A betrayed friend or a spurned lover, if the rivalry is personal it makes for more intense battles.

Community Q&A

Question

How would I draw weapons attached to a costume?

Community Answer

Weapons could be stored in belts or pockets. If a weapon is a blade, it could be stored in a wrist bracelet.
Question

The name for the villain in my story is Mr. Ego, because he can alter his appearance. Is this a dumb name? Should I come up with something better?

PreuxFox

Top Answerer

I think it sounds like a great supervillain name, but it sounds like you might not like it. It's your story and you're the one who will have to write down 'Mr. Ego' a million times, so if you're not sure you like it, consider some other options. Try brainstorming ideas and see if you come up with something you like better.
Question

Can a supervillain want revenge?

Community Answer

Yes. A supervillain can become a supervillain for any reason. Consider the reason why your supervillain wants revenge, maybe this is the reason they became a supervillain.

Warnings

How far fetched the villain's origin should be dependent on the setting. If it's realistic don't make the villain's origin too far fetched but if it's fantasy and everything is already too unbelievable (almost absurd), then it's up to you.

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Don't make the villain too powerful as the hero should always win but do make sure to make the villain truly challenging for a better story.

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