key term - Villain

Definition

A villain is an antagonist or adversary who opposes the hero's goals and creates conflict within the story. They often possess negative traits or engage in evil actions.

Related terms

Antagonist:

The antagonist is another term for the villain, representing the character or force that opposes the protagonist.

Foil:

A foil is a character who contrasts with the hero, highlighting their qualities by comparison. They may not be villains themselves but serve as a contrast to the hero's traits.

Nemesis: A nemesis is a rival or archenemy of the hero, often seeking revenge or causing significant harm.