[found on hsquiresnovels.com; by H. Squires]
“So how do you write wicked characters?
…I usually run down a list of good villains in my head—extracting their “not-so-nice” qualities. One specific sinister trait I enjoy is an intelligent character that teeters on trustworthiness. Another attribute is the unsuspecting or unlikely evil.
Your villain, however, doesn’t always have to be a person. Objects can be most useful. Even items—normally not scary, can become frightful if given the right antidote [sic] of suspense and evil attributes.
Answer questions about your villain(s):
-First, identify the enemy.
-If you were the main character, what’s so scary about the bad guy?
-What sinister qualities does your antagonist have?
-All characters have a weakness, what’s your villain’s “Achilles Heal”?
-Does he/she act alone or do they have a group?
-If the villain isn’t a person, what abilities does the object(s) exhibit?
In the beginning, I wouldn’t resolve the conflict between your main character(s) vs. the bad guy. For now, focus on developing the evil personality—demonstrate several situations that make them “bad”.”
Editing Addict, LLC 
This is really hepful! Thanks for sharing.
You are welcome! What villains are you working on in your writing?
In my novel I have a villain that I’ve been weaving for years. Layers and layers of motivations, emotions, and eccentricities. In my short stories I can have a villain that’s anything from another person, to a circumstance or a surrounding.
Brilliant! What is your favorite characteristic to write about for your villain in your book?
That’s a tough one. So many aspects of this character are a lot of fun to work with because I know the reaction they’ll bring. I’d have to say the most interesting aspect to write is his vulnerability. The times where you get to see the cracks in the armor of this dastardly character.
Oh, I love that. Making a human out of the monster—where the reader is suddenly torn…! Hate him? Or empathize and try to understand him? Nice dilemma!
It also gives my hero a nice challenge.Try to reason with him? Or do anything to defend myself?
I try to set up interesting circumstances and characters in all of my stories. I have a few up on my blog if you’d like to take a look.
I will definitely take a look at your stories. Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome, and thank you for checking it out! I haven’t been on WordPress for very long, so I really appreciate it.
Wow. I just read your short story, “Falling”…and wow. Love it! Very well written. Great job!
Thank you so very much! I really appreciate it. I have an interview up with Aurora (the main character of Falling) if you’re ever interested. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by.
Absolutely. Thank you for sharing. You have a gift in your ability to tell a story. Keep it up!
Thank you. Your kindness is very much appreciated. I’m a writer trying to break into the published world and build a fan base, so every kind word is like water to a dehydrated person.
Let it be water to you then; you are an amazing writer. Keep doing it.
Thank you.
You’re welcome 🙂