A mystery novel villain is best when he is not villainous. When she is the one that least resembles our stereotypical image of a villain. Why? Because mystery novel readers thrive on the unexpected. Sometimes writers paint their criminals as ugly blackguards with no saving graces at all. They forget that most people have at least some virtues. Mystery fans no longer relish the old melodramatic “hiss the villain” type of character. In fact, the more unlikely the antagonist, the better. Today’s mystery writer might write an antagonist who
• appears helpful—even to her victims.
• is in a “helping” profession—nurse, doctor, teacher, minister, cop.
• has pleasing personality traits—good sense of humor, polite, considerate, modest.
• has an average, even attractive appearance as opposed to evil eyes and a vicious grin.
• is good to dogs, kids and elderly ladies.
• has internal conflicts about the crime he has to commit even though he believes he has no other choice.
• is the kind of person anyone would like to have as friend.
Mystery writers should keep in mind that an appealing character who turns out to be the murderer is a great twist. The best villain is not villainous.
More writing tips:
Developing Characters is No Mystery
How to Create Sympathetic Mystery Novel Characters
How to Create Minor Characters in Your Mystery Novel
The Romantic Heroine in a Mystery Novel
Global Mysteries 
Well said, Nancy. I quite agree with this.
Actually, if you think about how “dastardly villains” are portrayed in most films, they are soft-spoken, polite, actually rather nice.
It is often the heroes who are foul-mouthed, brutal, and the like.
But then, that’s Hollywood turning things on their ear for effect.
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By: Richard W Scott on June 29, 2011
at 8:45 am
Interesting observation. I’ll have to look for that.
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By: nancycurteman on June 29, 2011
at 12:53 pm
You’ve hit the nail on the head again, NC! Most antagonists in the mysteries I’ve read are the “last” person you would expect.
If you wrote a mystery with Osama Bin Laden as the antagonist . . . it wouldn’t be a mystery. 😀
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By: nrhatch on June 29, 2011
at 1:58 pm
This is a very interesting post…I will certainly keep your advice in mind. Goodness knows what lies beneath the pyche of a good literary villan.
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By: An Embarrassment of Freedom on June 30, 2011
at 9:04 am
Enjoyed visiting your site.
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By: nancycurteman on June 30, 2011
at 7:18 pm
Thankyou for checking in on my blog. it is a random set of thoughts but it’s helping me find my storytelling vibe.
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By: An Embarrassment of Freedom on July 1, 2011
at 7:23 am
Sounds like a good process.
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By: nancycurteman on July 1, 2011
at 9:48 pm