1. Villains make us face what we dislike about ourselves.

Just for fun, think of three people you strongly dislike in your life. What is the main attribute you don’t like about them? More than likely, these main attributes are traits that you don’t want to admit you are capable of having, or are traits you know you have. 

2. Villains give us our strength.

Friends, guides, and allies support you along your journey. That support is helpful, but it is opposition that tests your strength of character. 

3. Villains show us our weaknesses.

Those that love us judge us on the qualities they find good; we love them because they seek out our good qualities. Villains, however, loathe your good qualities. The only thing the villains in your life enjoy about you are your weaknesses. 

4. Villains make us question our beliefs.

A good villain has strong motivation for what they are doing. There is logic behind all the actions they take. Many stories have what I call the Villain’s Appeal. This is when the villain tries to convince the protagonist that the way the villain views the world is the right way. 

5. Villains remind us of what we could become.
The choices we make define us. These choices shape our realities and make us who we are.
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