The realm of fantasy fiction has long been a space where authors explore the extraordinary—magical worlds, epic conflicts, and characters that challenge the boundaries of good and evil. In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the representation of LGBTQIA+ characters, bringing fresh perspectives and greater inclusivity to the genre.
One area where this progress is particularly intriguing is the portrayal of villains. Gone are the days when queer-coded antagonists served as simplistic symbols of deviance. Instead, queer authors are redefining what it means to create LGBTQIA+ villains, crafting layered, multidimensional characters who are as compelling as they are complex.
This shift in storytelling not only enriches the fantasy genre but also challenges long-standing stereotypes. By blending queerness with moral ambiguity, queer authors are reshaping the narrative and proving that LGBTQIA+ villains can be more than just caricatures—they can be deeply human, richly flawed, and undeniably captivating.
Let’s delve into how these authors are transforming the fantasy landscape with their innovative approaches to villainy.
Historical Context of LGBTQIA+ Representation in Fantasy
For much of the history of fantasy literature, LGBTQIA+ characters were largely invisible, or when they did appear, they were often relegated to minor or villainous roles. When queer characters were included in earlier fantasy works, their presence was frequently marked by stereotypes or was explicitly linked to villainy.
In many cases, the villains in fantasy stories were queer-coded—meaning they were not explicitly identified as LGBTQIA+, but their traits or mannerisms were heavily suggestive of queerness. This often manifested in characters who were flamboyant, sexually deviant, or eccentric in ways that set them apart from the “normative” heroes. These portrayals typically served to underline the antagonist’s “otherness,” portraying them as morally corrupt or dangerous, and reinforcing a binary of good vs. evil where queerness was associated with villainy.
For example, characters like the wicked sorcerer, the mad scientist, or the scheming queen often displayed traits that were exaggerated, non-conformist, or coded as queer. These portrayals reflected broader societal prejudices, using queerness as shorthand for corruption or chaos. This pattern continued in much of the early to mid-20th century fantasy literature, where LGBTQIA+ characters, if they appeared at all, were either villains or tragic figures on the fringes of society.
However, as LGBTQIA+ rights and representation have gained momentum in the real world, a significant shift has begun to take place in the fantasy genre. The past few decades have seen queer authors rise to prominence and, in doing so, have redefined the role of LGBTQIA+ characters in fantasy fiction. This shift has brought with it a movement toward authentic queer storytelling, one that seeks to explore the full range of human experiences rather than relying on simplistic or harmful tropes.
Whereas queer-coded villains once dominated the landscape, today’s queer authors are striving to write LGBTQIA+ characters—villains included—who are complex and multi-dimensional. These characters have motivations, backstories, and emotions that go beyond their sexual orientation or gender identity. Instead of being reduced to their “otherness,” LGBTQIA+ villains now appear as fully realized characters with a range of experiences and personalities that make them feel as real as their heroic counterparts.
This shift has also allowed for a more diverse exploration of villainy itself. Villains are no longer one-dimensional representations of evil; instead, they reflect the shades of gray that exist in all human beings. They may be driven by power, revenge, fear, or trauma, and their queerness becomes just one aspect of who they are, not the defining characteristic.
The need for more layered and multidimensional LGBTQIA+ antagonists in fantasy is clear. By moving away from reductive stereotypes, queer authors are not only creating more inclusive stories, but they are also challenging the genre to embrace complexity and nuance. This evolution in storytelling is making space for villains who are as compelling, tragic, and complex as any hero, with their queerness playing a vital but nuanced role in shaping their character arcs.
Why Representation of Complex LGBTQIA+ Villains Matters
The portrayal of complex LGBTQIA+ villains in fantasy fiction is crucial for several reasons, not only for the diversity it brings but also for its potential to challenge long-standing stereotypes. Historically, LGBTQIA+ characters in media, especially villains, were often confined to narrow, harmful portrayals. They were frequently shown as either tragic figures or as wicked, over-the-top caricatures whose queerness was their defining characteristic. Today, moving beyond these stereotypes is a vital step toward offering a more accurate and nuanced representation of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Breaking Away from Harmful Tropes and Stereotypes
One of the most significant benefits of representing complex LGBTQIA+ villains is the opportunity to break away from harmful tropes that have long plagued both fantasy and broader media. For decades, villains who were coded as queer were often portrayed as cruel, manipulative, and alien, reflecting society’s stigmatization of queerness as something deviant or dangerous. These portrayals reinforced a damaging narrative that queer individuals, especially queer villains, were inherently “other” or evil.
By creating villains who are multi-faceted and dynamic, queer authors have the power to rewrite this narrative. Rather than being reduced to a one-dimensional villainy, LGBTQIA+ antagonists can now have complex motivations, struggles, and growth arcs that reflect the full spectrum of the human experience. This ensures that queer characters are not just seen through the lens of negativity but are allowed the same depth of character development as any other individual, whether they are protagonists or antagonists.
Showing that LGBTQIA+ Characters Can Embody All Facets of Humanity, Including Flaws
The complexity of LGBTQIA+ villains highlights the reality that queerness, like any identity, is only one part of a person. Just as with any other character, LGBTQIA+ villains can embody a range of traits, including flaws, imperfections, and contradictions. In many cases, these villains reflect the same complexities and internal conflicts that real people experience—dealing with love, loss, self-doubt, or the consequences of their actions.
For example, a queer antagonist might struggle with their identity, dealing with internalized shame or rejection from society, or they may be driven by a desire for power or revenge. These traits and struggles do not make them inherently evil; rather, they make them human. By acknowledging that LGBTQIA+ individuals, like everyone else, have the capacity for both good and bad, authors create characters that feel more authentic and relatable. This allows readers to see queer characters as complete individuals, not defined by a singular trait of being “villainous” or “other.”
Exploring Moral Ambiguity and Identity in the Fantasy Genre
Fantasy fiction is uniquely positioned to explore complex themes of moral ambiguity, identity, and power dynamics. Villains in fantasy are rarely wholly evil; they often exist in a morally gray area, driven by personal motivations that may be understandable, if not justifiable. For LGBTQIA+ characters, this exploration becomes particularly rich, as identity is often central to the choices they make, including their decisions to embrace or reject societal norms.
For example, a queer antagonist in a fantasy novel might be driven by a desire to reshape society in a way that better reflects their own experiences and desires, even if their methods are extreme. Their journey might raise questions about the nature of justice, oppression, and the right to seek revenge. The exploration of such moral complexity is where LGBTQIA+ villains truly shine, offering readers the chance to reflect on the broader themes of acceptance, power, and the fine line between heroism and villainy.
Moreover, by addressing these themes in the context of queer identity, authors can use their villains to delve deeper into questions of self-acceptance and belonging. The antagonist’s struggle might not just be with the protagonist but with their own understanding of who they are in relation to the world around them. This moral ambiguity reflects the complexity of real-life experiences, making these characters feel grounded in reality, even within the fantastical worlds they inhabit.
In conclusion, the representation of complex LGBTQIA+ villains in fantasy is not just about increasing visibility; it is about offering a more honest and multifaceted view of queer individuals. By moving away from harmful stereotypes, these characters show that LGBTQIA+ people, like everyone else, can have flaws, make mistakes, and grow. Furthermore, exploring the moral complexities of LGBTQIA+ villains in fantasy allows for a deeper conversation about identity, power, and the nature of good and evil—ultimately enriching the genre and providing a more inclusive, thought-provoking experience for readers.
Notable Queer Authors Leading the Way
The landscape of queer representation in fantasy is enriched by the voices of talented queer authors who have brought complex LGBTQIA+ villains to life. These authors not only challenge stereotypes but also elevate the genre with multifaceted characters whose moral complexity, personal motivations, and struggles are at the forefront. Below are a few queer authors who have made significant contributions to creating compelling LGBTQIA+ villains in fantasy.
Tamsyn Muir – The Locked Tomb Series
Tamsyn Muir’s The Locked Tomb series, beginning with Gideon the Ninth, features a universe that blends science fiction with elements of gothic fantasy. Among its many notable characters is the villainous yet tragic Harrowhark Nonagesimus, a necromancer driven by ambition, fear, and personal loss.
Harrow is a brilliant, complex character who embodies a moral ambiguity that keeps readers on edge. Her antagonistic tendencies are tied to deep insecurities and the pain of loss, especially in a world where necromancers vie for power. Harrow’s queerness is integral to her character, but it is just one of the many aspects that define her; her struggles with love, loyalty, and the quest for control shape her actions throughout the series.
Malinda Lo – The Ash Princess Trilogy
In Malinda Lo’s The Ash Princess trilogy, villains are multidimensional, and the queer characters defy easy categorization. Lo introduces readers to characters like the manipulative and politically driven Queen who will stop at nothing to secure her throne. Her queerness adds to the layers of her personal motivations and interpersonal dynamics, especially in a world filled with power struggles and complex alliances.
The trilogy’s exploration of power dynamics, betrayal, and moral gray areas is steeped in LGBTQIA+ themes, where the villains’ identities and desires conflict with their broader political ambitions. Lo’s approach to villainy is more psychological and strategic, focusing on what drives a character to make morally questionable decisions.
V.E. Schwab – Shades of Magic Series
V.E. Schwab’s Shades of Magic series features a variety of antagonists, but the most notable is Maxim Maresh, a villain whose motivations are deeply personal and complicated. His actions, driven by a mix of grief and a thirst for power, place him in opposition to the main characters. Schwab’s approach to writing villains is particularly effective because she gives them depth, allowing readers to understand their pain and motivations even if they disagree with their methods.
The series’ exploration of magic, power, and political intrigue also includes subtle nods to LGBTQIA+ themes. Schwab’s villains are often layered with conflicting desires, and their queerness is part of what makes them real and human, contributing to a deeper exploration of personal identity and societal roles.
C.L. Clark – The Unbroken
C.L. Clark’s The Unbroken is a fantasy novel that focuses on the political and military turmoil of a colonized world. Among its central characters is the complex figure of Touraine, a former soldier turned antagonist whose struggle with loyalty, identity, and power creates an engaging and morally gray character. Touraine’s queerness, while not central to her antagonism, influences her decisions and relationships in ways that add depth to her character.
What sets The Unbroken apart is its detailed examination of the interplay between identity, power, and resistance. The novel explores how queer characters, particularly those who exist at the intersections of different identities, navigate a world that seeks to control them. Touraine’s journey, as both a hero and a villain at times, provides a rich exploration of what it means to resist, fight, and survive in a world built on oppression.
What Sets Their Villains Apart
The villains created by these queer authors stand out for their depth, complexity, and the way they challenge traditional narratives. Rather than relying on simple tropes, these authors craft antagonists whose motivations are shaped by a variety of internal and external forces, including their queerness, but also their trauma, desires, and worldview.
Depth of Characterization
One of the defining features of these villains is their depth. They are not simply “evil” for the sake of being evil. Their actions are driven by complex emotional and psychological factors, from personal loss and rejection to power dynamics and social injustice. Their backgrounds and experiences inform their decisions and shape their role in the story.
For example, Harrowhark’s journey in The Locked Tomb series is heavily influenced by her deep-seated fear and emotional wounds. Similarly, Maxim Maresh in Shades of Magic is shaped by grief and a thirst for power, making him a villain with understandable, though dangerous, motivations. This depth humanizes them and allows readers to sympathize with their struggles, even as they oppose the protagonists.
How Identity Intersects with Their Role as Antagonists
In many of these works, the villains’ queerness is not just a character trait, but something that influences their decisions and interactions with the world around them. For instance, in The Unbroken, Touraine’s identity as a queer character intersects with her experiences of oppression and resistance. Her struggle is not just with external enemies but with her own internalized conflicts regarding loyalty, love, and self-worth.
In Gideon the Ninth, Harrowhark’s queerness is subtly interwoven with her relationships, particularly her complicated and often fraught connections with other characters. These intersectional layers add richness to their characterization and contribute to a more nuanced portrayal of villainy.
Contribution to Broader Themes
These queer villains often reflect broader themes of power, identity, and resistance in their stories. By exploring how queerness intersects with their roles as antagonists, authors can delve into important societal issues such as marginalization, oppression, and the right to self-determination. In The Ash Princess Trilogy, Lo uses the villains to highlight the consequences of unchecked power and the ways in which individuals can become both victims and perpetrators of violence, often in the name of survival or control. Similarly, The Unbroken uses its villainous characters to question the nature of loyalty and resistance in the face of colonialism.
The villains created by these authors often embody the moral complexity that defines the best fantasy fiction, where good and evil are not so easily defined. Through their queerness, motivations, and actions, these characters reflect the richness of human experience and invite readers to consider what makes someone truly “good” or “evil.”
These queer authors are not just reshaping the role of villains in fantasy; they are creating a more inclusive, multifaceted, and thought-provoking genre. By highlighting the complexity of LGBTQIA+ villains, they are expanding the possibilities for storytelling and encouraging readers to embrace complexity, nuance, and empathy in their understanding of character and identity.
Themes and Narrative Choices in Queer Fantasy Villains
Queer fantasy villains are a powerful narrative tool that allows for deep exploration of complex themes. These antagonists often grapple with a combination of personal and societal struggles, offering rich storytelling opportunities that go beyond the traditional good vs. evil dynamic. By centering queer characters in these roles, authors can introduce more nuanced reflections on power, revenge, self-discovery, and societal rejection, which resonate both within the story and with broader social issues. Let’s dive into some of the key themes and narrative choices that shape queer fantasy villains.
Common Themes: Power, Revenge, Self-Discovery, and Societal Rejection
One of the most prevalent themes in queer fantasy villains is the pursuit or abuse of power. Many LGBTQIA+ villains in fantasy are not driven by a desire for evil for its own sake, but rather by a hunger for control, justice, or revenge. In many cases, their quest for power is rooted in personal experiences of marginalization or rejection. Queer characters often face societal oppression, and their desire for power may stem from the need to gain agency in a world that has tried to suppress them. This makes their motivations feel not only believable but also deeply relatable.
For instance, a queer antagonist might seek to topple a hierarchical system that has been oppressive, viewing themselves as an agent of change even as their methods become increasingly destructive. Their struggle is not just against individual protagonists but against a societal structure that has perpetuated their pain. In this way, the theme of power in queer fantasy villains often reflects a desire for autonomy, agency, and the right to reshape their world.
Revenge is another common theme in these narratives. For many queer villains, vengeance is intertwined with their identity. They may seek revenge against those who have oppressed them or their communities, or they may be driven by betrayal or personal loss. In stories where the villains are seeking retribution, their queerness often adds layers of complexity to their actions, making their motivations more human and relatable. Rather than being driven by a simple desire for destruction, their actions may be portrayed as an effort to reclaim their dignity or punish those who have wronged them.
Self-discovery is also a key theme in many queer fantasy villains’ arcs. These characters often struggle with their identity, coming to terms with who they are in a world that may be hostile or unaccepting. This theme of self-discovery is crucial in villainous characters because it provides them with internal conflicts that make their motivations more layered. A queer villain may question their own desires, motivations, and place in the world, leading to a path of moral ambiguity. Their journey of self-acceptance, or failure to achieve it, is central to their development and often drives their antagonistic behavior.
Finally, societal rejection is a theme that is intrinsically tied to the queer experience in both the real world and in fantasy literature. For queer villains, rejection can come from their families, communities, or the larger society, leading to feelings of isolation and anger. This rejection can become a key motivator for their villainy, as they seek to dismantle the systems that have cast them out. Through this lens, their villainous actions become a form of resistance, a pushback against the societal structures that have marginalized them.
Subverting the Traditional Hero/Villain Binary
One of the most significant narrative choices in the depiction of queer fantasy villains is the subversion of the traditional hero/villain binary. In many fantasy stories, heroes are framed as virtuous, unflinchingly good, and motivated by pure intentions, while villains are portrayed as evil for the sake of evil. However, queer fantasy authors often reject this simple dichotomy in favor of more complex and morally ambiguous characters.
Queer villains, in particular, often exist in this morally gray area, where they may not fit neatly into the “evil” category. Their motivations are not necessarily driven by a desire to wreak havoc, but by personal struggles that lead them to make decisions that conflict with the hero’s values. A villain’s queerness often adds complexity to their role, making their moral compass more difficult to define. This blurring of the lines between heroism and villainy challenges the reader to reconsider the traditional frameworks that classify characters as purely good or bad.
In these stories, heroes and villains can sometimes share similar desires, such as freedom, power, or justice, but they pursue them in vastly different ways. The difference between them is often not one of absolute right versus wrong, but rather of perspective, personal history, and the choices they make along the way. This moral complexity allows for a deeper exploration of what it means to be a hero or a villain, and encourages readers to consider the circumstances and motivations behind a character’s actions.
Incorporating Elements of Queerness into Motivations and Story Arcs
In queer fantasy, queerness is not simply a trait added to a character for diversity’s sake, but an integral part of their identity that shapes their motivations, interactions, and decisions. The way queerness intersects with the role of the villain can add layers of meaning to the character’s actions and arc. For instance, a queer villain may struggle with identity and self-worth, leading them to make choices that are destructive or harmful. Their queerness might be central to their journey, whether it’s the search for acceptance, the fight against societal norms, or the rejection of traditional roles.
Additionally, queer villains often face challenges unique to their identity, such as societal rejection or internalized self-hatred, which influence their decisions. In some cases, this can lead to villains seeking power or revenge as a means of reclaiming agency. Their actions may be motivated by a desire for validation, recognition, or revenge against those who have ostracized them. In this way, queerness is woven into their motivations, making their narrative arc not just about villainy, but also about identity, acceptance, and resistance.
Moreover, the exploration of queer villains in fantasy often serves as a critique of societal norms and expectations. Through their characters, authors can challenge heteronormative structures and explore the consequences of oppression. These villains are not merely antagonists in the traditional sense but represent the larger societal forces that suppress individual identity and autonomy. Their struggle becomes a metaphor for broader cultural and political issues, adding richness and depth to their narrative arcs.
The themes and narrative choices in queer fantasy villains offer a rich tapestry of complexity and depth that go beyond traditional villainy. Power, revenge, self-discovery, and societal rejection are not just plot devices, but integral elements that shape these characters’ journeys. By subverting the hero/villain binary and incorporating elements of queerness into their motivations, these villains become symbols of resistance, identity, and personal struggle. Through these multifaceted portrayals, queer authors are expanding the possibilities of the fantasy genre, challenging readers to confront the moral ambiguities of their own world.
Challenges and Critiques
The representation of queer villains in fantasy literature is an important and evolving trend, but it is not without its challenges and critiques. While the creation of complex, multidimensional LGBTQIA+ antagonists offers new possibilities for storytelling and character development, it also presents certain risks—especially concerning misinterpretation, backlash, and the need to balance positive representation with avoiding harmful stereotypes. Additionally, the reception of queer villains varies significantly between mainstream and niche fantasy communities, each with its own set of reactions and expectations.
Risks of Misinterpretation or Backlash
One of the most significant challenges when writing queer villains is the risk of misinterpretation or backlash. Because queer representation in media has historically been limited or stereotyped, any portrayal of LGBTQIA+ characters—especially those in antagonistic roles—can be scrutinized more harshly. Some readers or critics might fear that depicting queer characters as villains reinforces harmful stereotypes, particularly the notion that queerness is inherently associated with negative or dangerous traits.
Furthermore, the portrayal of LGBTQIA+ villains can be seen as a reinforcement of the “queer-coded villain” trope, which has been pervasive in older media. For example, in classic Disney films, queer-coded characters were often presented as sinister or evil without being explicitly queer. This legacy of associating queerness with villainy can make contemporary queer villain portrayals feel like a regression to old, problematic narratives. Authors who write these characters may find themselves facing accusations that they are perpetuating harmful tropes rather than challenging them.
However, it is important to recognize that queer villains, when written with depth, complexity, and nuance, have the potential to subvert these negative associations and offer a more accurate, multidimensional portrayal of LGBTQIA+ characters. Still, the risk of misinterpretation is ever-present, and authors must be mindful of how their characters are framed and understood by different audiences.
Balancing Representation with Avoiding Negative Stereotypes
Another challenge faced by authors is the delicate balance between representing LGBTQIA+ characters authentically and avoiding the reinforcement of negative stereotypes. Villains are often associated with traits like manipulation, cunning, excess, and even perversion—characteristics that have historically been used to otherize marginalized groups, including LGBTQIA+ people. If these traits are too heavily emphasized in queer villains, it can contribute to the harmful narrative that queerness is inherently linked to evil or deviance.
To avoid these pitfalls, queer authors must take care to portray their villains as fully developed individuals with understandable motivations and internal conflicts. Their queerness should be integrated into their character in ways that are authentic to the story, not as a shorthand for villainy. In this way, queer villains can be as nuanced and multidimensional as their straight counterparts, with motivations that go beyond their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Moreover, balancing representation also means making sure that queer characters in fantasy are not solely confined to villainous roles. While complex LGBTQIA+ villains are a welcome addition to the genre, it is equally important to portray queer characters in positive, heroic, or neutral roles to avoid pigeonholing them into antagonistic stereotypes. A diverse range of queer characters can help counterbalance the negative associations sometimes linked to queer villains.
Reception of Queer Villains in Mainstream vs. Niche Fantasy Communities
The reception of queer villains can vary greatly depending on the audience. In mainstream fantasy communities, there may be a stronger push for more inclusive and diverse representation, including positive portrayals of LGBTQIA+ characters. However, mainstream readers might also be more resistant to the portrayal of queer villains, especially if those characters are perceived as perpetuating negative stereotypes. Mainstream audiences can sometimes be slower to embrace nuanced, morally complex queer characters, and queer villains may be more likely to receive backlash if they are perceived as reinforcing old-fashioned stereotypes.
On the other hand, niche fantasy communities, particularly those within the broader LGBTQIA+ fandoms, may be more accepting of queer villains, especially when they are written with depth and care. These readers often come to queer fiction with an understanding of the complexity and diversity of queer experiences and are more likely to appreciate the nuanced portrayal of LGBTQIA+ villains. For these communities, the inclusion of queer villains can offer opportunities to explore themes of identity, resistance, and moral ambiguity in ways that are both reflective of their lived experiences and a challenge to traditional genre tropes.
However, even within niche communities, there are debates over the portrayal of queer villains. Some may feel that villains should be written as fully human and multifaceted, while others may worry about the potential harm of centering too many LGBTQIA+ characters in antagonistic roles. Striking the right balance between complexity and representation is an ongoing conversation within these spaces, where readers often feel a deep investment in how their identities are represented in the genre.
The portrayal of queer villains in fantasy offers a valuable opportunity to challenge traditional narratives and bring new dimensions to storytelling. However, this representation must be handled with care, as there are risks of misinterpretation, backlash, and the reinforcement of harmful stereotypes. Authors must navigate these challenges by ensuring their villains are well-rounded and complex, balancing their queerness with broader character motivations. The reception of queer villains varies between mainstream and niche fantasy communities, with each offering different levels of acceptance and critique. Ultimately, the inclusion of queer villains in fantasy can be an important step toward more inclusive and multifaceted storytelling, but it requires thoughtful execution and sensitivity to the broader context of representation.
Tips for Aspiring Writers
As the representation of queer characters in fantasy continues to evolve, writers have an opportunity to contribute to this important conversation by creating LGBTQIA+ villains who are complex, authentic, and multidimensional. Crafting queer villains that are both engaging and respectful requires careful thought, research, and sensitivity. Here are some essential tips for aspiring writers who want to portray queer villains in a nuanced and thoughtful way.
Research and Understand the History of Queer Representation in Media
Before writing queer villains, it is important to understand the historical context of queer representation in media. For much of the 20th century, LGBTQIA+ characters were often relegated to villainous or tragic roles. In many cases, their queerness was portrayed as a marker of their evilness or dysfunction. Familiarizing yourself with this history helps to ensure that your writing avoids perpetuating harmful stereotypes that have been used to otherize and marginalize queer people.
Additionally, learning about the evolving portrayal of LGBTQIA+ characters in literature and media allows you to recognize the progress made and the areas that still need improvement. For example, queer characters in contemporary fantasy are increasingly being written with more depth and as multi-dimensional figures, not simply as villains or sidekicks. Understanding how these characters have been portrayed over time gives you a framework for writing queerness with authenticity, avoiding overused tropes, and offering fresh perspectives on the role of queer characters in fantasy.
Create Villains with Authentic, Nuanced Backstories
One of the most important aspects of writing compelling queer villains is crafting nuanced backstories that reflect the complexity of their identities and motivations. Just like any other character, your queer villain should have a fully developed history that explains why they make the choices they do. Their backstory should address the forces—both external and internal—that shape their decisions, including their experiences with identity, love, rejection, and societal structures.
In particular, it’s vital to consider how their queerness interacts with their personal journey. Are they struggling with self-acceptance? Have they faced discrimination or rejection that fuels their actions? Do they view their queerness as a source of power or a source of weakness? Crafting a backstory that deeply explores these aspects will not only make your villain more compelling but will also avoid reducing them to a one-dimensional caricature.
Remember that villains are rarely “evil for the sake of evil.” Every antagonist has a reason for their actions, even if those reasons are flawed or misguided. A nuanced backstory allows readers to understand these motivations, making your queer villain’s role in the story more engaging and thought-provoking.
Avoid Falling into Harmful Tropes While Embracing Complexity
One of the challenges of writing queer villains is avoiding the use of harmful tropes that have historically been associated with LGBTQIA+ characters. For example, the “villainous queer” trope, which associates queerness with evil or danger, can still appear in media today, despite efforts to move away from it. It’s essential to be mindful of how you present your villain and their queerness—do not allow their identity to define their evilness.
While queer villains can be complex and morally ambiguous, their queerness should not be the sole reason they are antagonistic. Instead, it should be part of a broader narrative that takes into account their individual experiences, desires, and flaws. Avoid using queerness as a shorthand for villainy or as a way to make the character seem “other.” A truly complex villain will have multiple facets to their identity—queerness is just one of many.
At the same time, embrace the complexity of queer identities. Just as with any group, the queer community is diverse, and different individuals will have unique experiences and perspectives. When writing queer villains, avoid creating characters who are solely defined by their oppression or victimhood. Queer villains can have goals, dreams, and traits that go beyond their sexual orientation or gender identity. By embracing the full spectrum of human complexity, you can create characters who feel authentic and fully realized, rather than relying on stereotypes or clichés.
Read Works by Queer Authors for Inspiration
To truly understand how to write queer villains with depth, it’s invaluable to read the works of queer authors who have already paved the way in this genre. Authors like Tamsyn Muir, Malinda Lo, V.E. Schwab, and C.L. Clark, as well as many others, have skillfully portrayed LGBTQIA+ characters—villains and heroes alike—in a way that feels fresh, layered, and nuanced.
Reading these authors’ work will give you insight into how queerness can intersect with complex character development. You’ll be able to see how they integrate LGBTQIA+ identities into characters’ motivations and story arcs while maintaining emotional depth and richness. Pay attention to how these authors balance the exploration of identity with broader themes like power, loss, revenge, and redemption, as these are often central to creating compelling antagonists.
Additionally, reading queer authors will expose you to different writing styles, perspectives, and approaches to storytelling. These influences can inspire your own work and help you find new ways to approach writing queer villains. Queer authors are already challenging stereotypes, breaking down boundaries, and expanding the narrative possibilities in fantasy, and engaging with their work can provide invaluable lessons as you develop your own characters.
Writing queer villains requires a deep understanding of both the history of queer representation in media and the complexities of queer identities. By creating villains with nuanced backstories, avoiding harmful stereotypes, and drawing inspiration from the works of established queer authors, you can craft characters who are complex, authentic, and engaging. The key is to treat queer villains with the same level of care and depth that you would any other character, allowing them to reflect the richness and diversity of human experience. By doing so, you will contribute to a broader, more inclusive representation of LGBTQIA+ characters in fantasy fiction.
Conclusion
In recent years, queer authors have played a pivotal role in reshaping the narrative landscape of fantasy fiction, particularly by creating complex and multidimensional LGBTQIA+ villains. These characters move beyond the traditional, one-dimensional portrayals of villains as purely evil figures, instead embodying the full spectrum of human experience, with motivations driven by power, revenge, self-discovery, and societal rejection. Through their nuanced backstories and personal struggles, queer villains challenge the binary distinction between hero and villain, offering readers an opportunity to engage with morally ambiguous characters whose queerness is just one part of their rich identity.
The impact of queer authors in this space is significant, not only in terms of representation but also in fostering a more inclusive and thoughtful exploration of what it means to be an antagonist. By breaking away from harmful stereotypes and infusing their villains with depth and authenticity, queer authors are expanding the possibilities of the fantasy genre and encouraging readers to reconsider preconceived notions of morality, identity, and power.
As readers, we are encouraged to explore these diverse narratives that challenge traditional storytelling norms and offer fresh perspectives on character development. Queer villains provide opportunities to dive into the complexities of identity, societal pressures, and personal transformation, making them some of the most compelling and thought-provoking figures in contemporary fantasy literature.
For those eager to dive into these groundbreaking narratives, here are some recommended authors and books to get started:
- V.E. Schwab – Vicious (and the Villains series): A dark and captivating exploration of morally ambiguous characters, where queerness intersects with power and revenge.
- Tamsyn Muir – Gideon the Ninth: A unique blend of necromancy, science fiction, and queer representation, featuring complex characters with layered motivations.
- Malinda Lo – Last Night at the Telegraph Club: While not a traditional fantasy, Lo’s exploration of LGBTQIA+ identities within historical fiction adds depth to the representation of queer characters in broader genres.
- C.L. Clark – The Unbroken: A high-stakes political fantasy that challenges imperialism, with complex characters whose identities are integral to their journeys and choices.
By engaging with these works, readers can gain insight into the rich, varied portrayals of queer villains and characters, and discover how their complexity challenges the norms of traditional fantasy. Dive into these books, and explore the multifaceted world of queer antagonists, where the lines between hero and villain are never so clear-cut, but always deeply compelling.
