I have more trouble writing villains than I do heroes. It's difficult to get that mix right. It seems they can't be just EVIL, BAD, HORRIBLE folk they need a little back story - a little understanding. It made me think about the popular villains in children's literature and why they work so well.
First we have Miss Trenchbull from "Matilda".
I think she's unforgettable because she stands for adult power. She's truly scary and unpredictable which is how adults can come across to children. But she's also very funny. Her over the top personality is ridiculous which is entertaining as well as frightening. Roald Dahl got it just right.
The next one that comes to mind is Lord Voldemort from the Harry Potter series.
He grows with the series. He starts off as simply dangerous and mysterious but becomes more complex as the books go on. He creates great emotional tension by engendering the possibility that Harry could actually lose against him.
And my third choice would be The White Witch from "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe".
She actually controls the atmosphere of the whole book. Icy landscapes, frozen creatures all metaphors for her nature - cold heartedness. This contrasted with her elegance makes her especially memorable from my childhood. I found her a fascinating character.
So I think the secret is to try to create strong emotional reactions in young readers but to also make my villains entertaining. Not easy. 😊
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