Killer Characterization: Crafting Antagonists with Depth and Dimension

When writing a crime story, your antagonist should not be a black and white character—or, as we say in the movie biz, “A Big Heavy”: a one-dimensional, mustache twirling, cackling, maniacal, cardboard cutout-scapegoat. 

The best antagonists are “Killers”: layered characters with whom we find ourselves empathizing—maybe even liking to some degree. They could be someone close to you that you thought you knew well. Someone who looks harmless and safe on the outside. Think of true crime author Ann Rule riding in a car with the young, charming serial killer Ted Bundy!

As daughter of a coroner, a writer, and a forensic specialist, I've acquired a unique perspective into the dark recesses of human nature. Maybe that’s why it’s more interesting to me to explore not only the how of a crime (a novel’s external plot), but the why (an antagonist’s internal character development). Why has this person crossed that line, shattered all morality, and embraced evil to become a “Killer”? 

On some level, identifying with a killer means the characterization hits that place where we all say, “There go I, but for the grace of God.” 

I've always been drawn to exploring the complexities of human motivation. In the forensic world it’s called forensic psychology or profiling. 

Here's how to craft a villain that will leave your audience both terrified and fascinated:

Truth is Stranger Than Fiction

The most chilling villains are those who present themselves like someone you know. I often create fictional killers loosely based on a real life killers. I may give them likable personalities, a relatable skillset, and at times even tender hearts. Digging in, I work to reveal their inner wounds and the events in their lives that made them vulnerable to and bent on evil acts.Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs is terrifying not just because he's a cannibalistic killer, but because he's also a brilliant psychiatrist, a charming man of culture and sophistication. He’s both a good conversationalist and a master manipulator. 

Get Inside The Criminal Mind

Every killer has a story, a past that has shaped them, a series of events that has led them to their immoral choices. Delve into their history, explore their traumas, their losses, and betrayals. Many events that shaped them might not have been their fault, making them more sympathetic and relatable. A well-developed backstory doesn't excuse their actions, but it adds depth and dimension, shaping them into more than just criminals; it makes them deeply flawed humans. When you get to a point in Killer character development where you can say “This killer is as deserving of grace as I am,” then you’ve got something worthy to write about.  

50 Shades of Gray

The most compelling murderers are not one hundred percent evil. They exist in the realm of murky shades of gray, often believing themselves to be the heroes of their own stories. In their minds they may be good people with plausible (although disordered) reasons why they commit their crimes.  To make them less of A Big Heavy, create moments that illustrate their humanity. 

A great example is Walter White in Breaking Bad. In the TV series’ pilot episode, Walter White is a chemistry teacher who’s just learned he has cancer. In order to provide a nest egg for his pregnant wife and son, he turns to a life of drug dealing, which leads to a life of crime and unspeakable acts of evil. In Walter’s mind, he’s a hero for trying to save his family. 

Different Sides of the Same Coin

A great villain both reflects and challenges your story’s protagonist, creating a dynamic tension that drives the story forward. Characters good and bad may share similar traits, experiences, and even desires, making their conflict feel personal, perhaps inevitable. A great antagonist should be as savvy and intelligent as the protagonist they are forcing to their limits, compelling them to grow, adapt, and eventually ramp up the conflict to the one-on-one final battle (where the protagonist wins, of course!)

In the crime writing world, A Killer (your villain) may embody the worst case scenario we all fear for ourselves. When dreaming up your next great story, don't shy away from diving deep into your darkest fears. The best, most convincing and compelling villains reflect the unspoken, shadowed parts of ourselves. 

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Originally posted on Career Authors blog

Jennifer Dornbush works as a screenwriter, author, speaker, and forensic specialist. She has developed film and TV projects, authored numerous books, and frequently speaks around the world on crime fiction and forensics. She divides her time between Michigan and Arizona. Find her on IG @jgdornbush. Join Jennifer’s newsletter and read her blog at www.jenniferdornbush.com.