A compelling villain doesn’t exist merely to “be bad.” They challenge your hero, force them to grow, and often embody the darkest mirror of the protagonist’s internal struggle. Villains are not obstacles—they are catalysts. If your readers remember your villain as vividly as your hero, you've done your job right.

This week’s Tony Tips Tuesdays™ dives into the nuanced art of writing characters who protect others but not themselves—and why they leave such an indelible impact on readers.