When the Villain Steals the Show

Have you ever liked a villain more than the hero? Who and why?

Darling, have you seen some of the villains?

The dramatic entrances. The wardrobe. The delivery.

Meanwhile, the hero is often standing there looking terribly earnest, waiting for the soundtrack to tell us when to feel inspired.

Take Cruella.

Yes, I know. The puppies.

We’re not endorsing the puppy situation.

But as a character? She has presence.

She walks into a room as though the room has been waiting for her arrival. She knows exactly who she is, and she has never once considered apologising for the volume.

And sometimes, that’s what makes a villain so fascinating.

They’re allowed to be complicated.

They can be funny, charismatic, stylish, clever, dramatic and completely dreadful—all at the same time.

The hero, meanwhile, is often required to be good. Dependable. Honourable. Predictable.

Which is admirable, of course.

But not always terribly interesting.

Now, I should make something clear: liking a fictional villain doesn’t mean approving of what they do.

I can enjoy a character’s wit without supporting their actions.

I can appreciate their confidence without copying their morals.

And I can absolutely admire an outfit without committing a felony.

Perhaps that’s the magic of fiction.

It gives us room to explore the parts of human nature we wouldn’t necessarily invite to dinner.

Ambition. Vanity. Rebellion. Revenge. The desire to stop being told to behave ourselves.

Sometimes the villain says the thing the hero is too polite to say.

Sometimes they challenge the rules.

Sometimes they’re simply the most entertaining person in the story.

And occasionally, darling, they have the best coat.

So yes, I may find myself enjoying a villain more than the hero.

Not because I want to live in their world…

But because they make the story considerably more interesting.

And if they happen to arrive wearing fabulous shoes?

Well, a girl must have standards.

Stay Fabulous,
Luce 💋