Letting your characters walk into the unknown is one of the most powerful tools in your writer’s toolbox. It’s what separates flat stories from unforgettable ones, and passive characters from legends.

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.