Writing Great Villains — 3 Archetypes of Villainy from Nolan, Fincher, and PT Anderson

Summary by Krater

This video breaks down how to write three different villain archetypes—Mirror Villain, Looming Threat, and Villain Protagonist—using classic movie screenplays as examples.

From the video

Answers: How do you write a memorable villain?

• villain archetypes
• screenwriting
• Mirror Villain
• Looming Threat
• Villain Protagonist

What it concludes

• Mirror villains are best utilized to create both external conflict and internal conflict within the hero.
• A looming threat archetype requires a lot of audience imagination to create a terrifying and imposing threat.
• The most important consideration when tackling a villain protagonist is balancing sympathy and villainy.