Murderers and Their Motives: The Heart of A Great Thriller

Killers! Those devious wicked characters that make our hearts race, our palms sweat, and our pages turn just a little bit faster. A truly chilling and captivating antagonist is the beating heart of any great mystery or thriller. They drive the plot, torment the heroine, and create the biggest conflict. 

If the story is well written, the antagonist is not a black and white character… or as we say in the movie biz, “a heavy.”  A heavy is a  one-dimensional, cardboard cutout, mustache twirling,  cackling maniac that we pin all the bad stuff on. 

No, the best antagonists are layered dimensional human beings with whom we find ourselves empathizing… or maybe even liking to some degree. They could be someone close to you that you thought you knew so well. Someone who looks so harmless and safe on the outside (think: Ted Bundy!)

As a writer, daughter of a coroner, and forensic specialist, I've always had a unique look into the dark recess of human nature. Maybe that’s why it’s more interesting to me to explore not only the how of a crime (external plot), but the why (internal character development). What drives a person to cross that line, to shatter the rules, and embrace evil? 

The "why-dunnit" seems to elevate a story from a simple mystery plot puzzle to a deeply human drama, a story that resonates with our deepest fears and sense of humanity. It hits that place where we say, “There go I, but for the grace of God.” 

So, grab a cozy blanket, pour yourself a cup of something warm and comforting (or perhaps something a bit stronger, if that's your style!), and let's dive into the world of murderers and motives. We'll explore what makes a villain truly unforgettable, how to craft motives that resonate with readers, and why those antagonists are just as important – if not more so – than the heroes they torment.

The Power of the "Why-Dunnit"

Motive is what makes an antagonist human, relatable, even when their actions are reprehensible. The best villains aren't just evil for the sake of being evil (aka a heavy); they have goals, emotions, and reasons that make sense to them, even if they horrify the rest of us. Usually these stem from some great, unaddressed, unresolved trauma that happened to them. 

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

In The Secret Remains, the second book in my Coroner's Daughter series, the killer's motives are deeply personal, rooted in a decades-old betrayal that continues to haunt them. Their actions are extreme, yes, but the motive – a desperate need for justice, twisted by time and pain – feels heartbreakingly real. It's a reminder that even the darkest deeds often stem from an unresolved issue that festers over time.

No, they're complex, layered, and just as compelling as the heroes they oppose. They're the characters that make us shiver, that make us question, that make us wonder what lurks beneath the surface of those we think we know.

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

1. Start with Realism: The most chilling villains are the ones who feel like someone you know. I always ground my killers in a real life model. They have likable personalities, a good job, at times a tender heart. They also have inner woundings that make them vulnerable and often direct their evil actions.Think of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs. He's terrifying not just because he's a cannibalistic killer, but because he's also a brilliant psychiatrist, a man of culture and sophistication. He’s a good conversationalist. He listens to people. His intellect and charm draw Clarice into him.

2. Develop Backstory: Every killer has a story, a past that shaped them, a series of events that led them to the choices they make. Delve into their history, explore their traumas, their losses, their betrayals. Many of these might not have been their fault, which makes them all the more empathetic. A well-developed backstory doesn't excuse their actions, but it adds depth and dimension, making them more than just a criminal; it makes them a deeply flawed human.  In Secret Remains, the antagonist's backstory is revealed gradually, like peeling back the layers of an onion. We see glimpses of their childhood, their relationships, the events that pushed them to the brink. These insights not only deepen the mystery but also add an emotional complexity that resonates with readers. We get to see how they became the monster they are.

3. Add Shades of Gray: The most compelling murderers are not 100% evil. They exist in those murky shades of gray, often believing themselves to be the heroes of their own stories. In their minds they are good people and they have plausible (although incorrect) reasons about why they commit crime. To build them up are relatable, create moments that illustrate their humanity and kindness. Frozen Lives, the fourth book in my Coroner’s Daughter series, does a chilling (pun intended) job of showing a good man-gone-dark because of personal tragedy.

Here are some other examples of complex antagonists:

Amy Dunne from Gone Girl is a masterclass in this. On the surface, she's a manipulative sociopath, but as the story unfolds, we see her vulnerability, her intelligence, and the pain of feeling betrayed by those closest to her. We don't condone her actions, but we understand them, and that's what makes her such a fascinating and unforgettable character.

4. Hero & Villain: Different Sides of the Same Coin: A great villain often reflects and challenges the protagonist, creating a dynamic tension that drives the story forward. They might share similar traits, experiences, or even desires, making their conflict feel personal and inevitable. A great antagonist should be as savvy and intelligent as you protagonist forcing them to their limits, forcing them to grow, adapt, and eventually ramping up the conflict to the one on one final battle (where the protagonist wins, of course!)In Secret Remains, the villain's obsessive need for control mirrors Emily Hartford's own struggles with relinquishing control in her personal and professional life. This parallel not only heightens the tension but also forces Emily to confront her own flaws, making her growth as a character all the more compelling.

Motives That Drive the Story

A villain's motive isn't just a detail; it's the engine that drives the entire narrative. It's the fuel that feeds the fire, the force that propels the characters toward their destinies. Here are a few tips for crafting motives that resonate with readers:

1. Make It Personal: The best motives are deeply personal to the villain, rooted in their emotions, desires, and experiences. Whether it's revenge, ambition, love, or survival, their actions should stem from a place that readers can understand, even if they don't condone them.

2. Keep It Believable: A motive that feels forced or far-fetched will pull readers out of the story faster than you can say "plot hole." Ground your villain's goals in reality, even if the crime itself is extreme. Make their motivations relatable, even if their actions are not.

3. Show the Consequences: A strong motive has ripple effects throughout the story, impacting not just the villain but everyone around them. Explore how their actions affect the protagonist, the victims, and even the villain themselves. The consequences of their choices should be far-reaching and emotionally resonant.

4. Surprise the Reader: Don't be afraid to throw in a twist or two! Maybe the crime wasn't about money, but love. Maybe the villain wasn't acting alone, but had a hidden accomplice. Keep readers guessing by peeling back the layers of the motive as the story progresses.

Iconic Murderers and Their Motives: A Rogue Gallery

Let's take a moment to appreciate some of the most memorable villains in literature and film, and what makes their motives so captivating:

• Hannibal Lecter (The Silence of the Lambs): A mix of curiosity, hunger, and a warped sense of superiority. Lecter's motives are as complex as his character, blending his intellect with his primal urges. He's a chilling reminder that darkness can lurk beneath the most sophisticated facade.

• Tom Ripley (The Talented Mr. Ripley): Envy and the desire to reinvent himself. Ripley's charm and ambition make readers almost root for him, even as he commits unforgivable acts. He's a reminder that the most dangerous villains are often the ones who blend seamlessly into society.

• Norman Bates (Psycho): A fractured psyche driven by guilt and repression. Bates' internal conflict and descent into madness make him a tragic and terrifying figure. He's a chilling example of how trauma and unresolved emotions can manifest in devastating ways.

Conclusion: The Villain as the Heart of the Story

In the world of mystery and thriller writing, the murderer isn't just the antagonist; they represent the worst case scenario we all fear for ourselves. 

Don't shy away from diving deep into your killer's psyche. After all, the best villains aren't just obstacles; they're reflections of the heroine and even those unspoken dark parts of ourselves.

What's your favorite fictional killer? Let's talk about it in the comments, or connect with me on social media to keep the conversation going. And if you're looking for a mystery where murderers and motives take center stage, I invite you to dive into The Coroner's Daughter series and meet some of the most complex antagonists I've ever written - especially the newest book in the series, Frozen Lives. You might just find yourself feeling a twinge of emotion for the "bad guy" (just a little!).

---

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.