What makes a good villain in a mystery?

While we finish reading "A Little Murder" by Cindy Davis let's talk tips on mystery writing and the Villain.


Guidelines for the VILLAIN

In most cases, not all, the villain will be a murderer.

Intelligent

The murderer should be intelligent. A brainless killer would be no challenge and be caught within the first fifty pages of the story. On the face of things, the villain presents an impossible puzzle for the detective and the readers. The villain should be a challenge.

Amoral or immoral

What’s the difference?

Amoral means 'not concerned with morality' while immoral means 'not conforming to moral standards' or 'evil'. This is important because it may dictate how many bodies stack up in the villain’s wake. An immoral person knows the difference between right and wrong, but decides to do it anyway. An amoral person (serial killer) believes that rules are made for others, and does whatever he or she pleases.

Ego

The murderer should have an arrogant ego. The most egotistical action in the world is the taking of another person's life. Exhibit the ego outside of the actual killings. Demonstrate this ego somewhere else in the killer’s psychological make up for the reader to accept them as able to commit the crime. The villain might appear modest and easygoing, but he always hangs his clothes by order of color in his closet, presses his trousers just so, or never permits anyone to call him Dick when his name is Richard.

What's in a name?

What does a romantic suspense writer name her cats?

Mischief and Mayhem, of course. See photos on the left. :-)

When you name your cats or dog or characters do the names have to fit?

In the case of my characters...I think yes. Look at it this way. When you hear or read the name "Ralph", what do you immediately envision? Me, I envision a Beagle with big floppy ears who just kinda does things at his own pace. Why? Because when I was younger a neighbor had a Beagle named Ralph.

Now, try the name "Jake". What do you envision? I envision a taller than average guy, who likes to be outdoors and work with his hands. Jake describes the kind of guy when he walks down the street us ladies do a double-take.

Would I ever name one of my female characters "Charlotte"? Maybe, if I shortened it to Charley. I like strong female characters, and calling an intelligent, spirited, and independent character Charley comes across in the name.

What about you? What names do you like for a hero, heroine, or villain? Why?