Duir’Aion is populated by a myriad of characters. Heroes and villains dot the landscape, and the innocent and not so innocent are usually unfortunate collateral damage in the battles they fight. I believe strongly in character, and before I ever start writing I’m nearly always figuring out the villain first, and the heroes second.
Why? Heroes grow throughout the story. So there’s always time to figure them out to an extent. Villains, especially ones you know aren’t going to come back (for at least another few books anyway) don’t have that luxury. Yes, they can spend the book (trilogy) learning the epic spell of Undo Time, so they can go back and buy the last copy of their favorite book. That’s not quite the same thing as the loner hero who learns to accept his companions as family.
When dealing with villains (and heroes), my question is usually one of morality. What wouldn’t they be willing to do. Sometimes, it’s what they would do that makes them scary. For example my big bad is named Draen Do’Gra. He is a rune elf and he is one of the most powerful wizards in the world. As such he serves as the Archmage of Necromancy at Eldar, the floating wizard city that serves as school to wizards everywhere.
Eldar also serves an administrative purpose, as it monitors wizards, making sure new ones register with the Academy, and making sure powerful wizards don’t go doing things like unmaking time. In both cases, a violator is dealt with swiftly and mercilessly.
Anyway Draen is an Archmage of Necromancy, as stated before. He TEACHES necromancy. The big bad of my world, teaches other students. The other archmages are aware of his evil inclinations. They are even aware of his bid to ascend to divinity. He makes no secret of either. So why do they let him? Something about keeping enemies closer. That’s how Draen sees it anyway. He would rather be out in the open than skulking about like some pretender.
Draen is about the magic. And for that he has the blessing, or at least piqued the interest, of the goddess of magic. He seeks power and enjoys being tested. When a spy returns to the Circle of Archmages with news of what Draen is doing, rest assured (or don’t…) Draen is aware. He expects to be challenged. He expects to win. He’s been alive a long time, and he doesn’t do things rash.
So would Draen decimate a city? Sure, but only if it suited his purpose. Is he above torture? No. However, he generally doesn’t have to resort to such things. He has underling for that. Would he work with an enemy for a common good? Absolutely. IF it serves his or his goddess’ purpose. An ancient artifact with forbidden powers surfaces? He may tell (directly or indirectly) local heroes. Or he may save them (once, and even then for a price) if said artifact bearer proves to be stronger. He would only directly interfere, if the artifact and/or its bearer directly proves a nuisance to his carefully laid plans.
Always be mindful to keep your characters growing somewhat, but consistency is the most important. I love Draen, because while he may seem inconsistent, he actually isn’t. I’m sure he’ll shock some, offend others, and maybe even gather a following. No matter what though, he’ll always be true to himself.
A Darkness Rising 