Homura from Madoka Magica appears antagonistic before viewers get to know her.
Should Your Character Be Mysterious or Relatable?
Only one of these character types should have a POV.
Latest in Storytelling
Episode 405: Hero Haters
It's probably cause of the hero's dad or something.
Q&A: How Do I Reveal That My Movie Hero Is Really a Villain?
Submitted by Sophia González,
answered
Movement: The Story Principle That’s 2,300 Years Old
Tension isn't the only thing a plot needs.
Q&A: How Do I Test My Hero?
Submitted by Stephen,
answered
Episode 400: Novel Characters
How to make characters shiny and new!
When to Kill a Hero – or Not
A protagonist death can make the audience rage-quit. Is it worth it?
Q&A: How Should I Fill In Backstory?
Submitted by Kai,
answered
Episode 396: Always Be Solving Problems
If the hero isn't doing anything, the reader will be bored.
Five Tropes That Sound Cool but Rarely Work
Some techniques are tempting, but dangerous.
Can Framing Devices Be Better Than Terrible?
Disconnected scenes are rarely worth keeping.
Q&A: How Should I Respond to Beta Reader Feedback?
Submitted by Chris,
answered
Your Story Needs Tension, Not Violence
Create excitement on your own terms.
The Five Reasons Prequel Stories Are So Difficult
Prequels are usually bad, even when authors try their best.
Q&A: How Do I Make a Sidekick Feel Like Their Own Person?
Submitted by AlgaeNymph,
answered
Episode 390: Annoying Characters
When a writer tries for cute and gets something else entirely.
Six More Ways to Make Your Writing Cinematic
Does your novel properly imitate a movie-going experience?
A Character Goal Isn’t a Story – But It’s Close
This common model for stories can be helpful, but it can also hold writers back.
Episode 389: Non-Romantic Relationships
Now don't kiss. Stop it!
Episode 388: Clashing Choices
When the heart wants two different things.
Jeppsson