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Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
The Villain's Journey: How to Create Villains Readers Love to Hate by Debbie Burke examines antagonists as the initiating force of the plot and argues that effective stories require a detailed understanding of their villain. Burke tells us that focusing solely on protagonists produces inactive opposition and logical gaps, while tracking the villain’s objectives and offstage behavior sustains causality across scenes. Drawing on research and references, Burke situates villains as threat models that prompt response and problem solving. Burke breaks down mystery, suspense, and thriller through the timing of revelation, and how genre molds the presentation of viewpoint. She also talks about non-malicious antagonists and parallel journeys adapted from The Hero's Journey. Alongside all of this, Burke offers worksheets, archetypes, timeline, and other methods for planning.
The Villain's Journey by Debbie Burke is a wonderfully comprehensive and methodical guide for writers who want antagonists that actively drive story action. Burke grounds her advice in scholarship and publishing experience, and breaks down almost every conceivable angle and shape an antagonist can take. Her style of writing is conversational and easy to follow, and I love how she moves between theory and application, showing how belief systems, social pressure, trauma, and power affect harmful behavior across genres. Perhaps the most eye-opening part for me is the attention to female villains, and correcting long standing habits that sideline or excuse their actions. I hadn't realized the sheer volume of cliches around gendered antagonists, and am grateful to see it now. Planning exercises and dual timelines translate ideas into daily writing practice. Overall, this is the perfect guide. Very highly recommended.
