User blog comment:Echo 1/Elements You Should Not Give Your Characters/@comment-5989773-20130511163107/@comment-29012526-20130511183818

I'm afraid I have to disagree with you on the whole villain thing. I, for one, actually find villains that can be related to and sympathized with to be much more interesting characters then traditional power hungry "I will destroy you" villains. Take the Illusive Man from Mass Effect for example, he and you come into conflict more than once, and he is portrayed as a major antagonist in the third game, but ultimately, he only wants what's best for humanity. Making him nothing more than a power hungry psychopath would completely ruin his character. Take the Templars from Assassin's Creed (especially the first game) for example as well. They want generally the same thing as the Assassins, peace, but they have different methods which bring them into conflict with the ol' hooded dudes.

Not to say that traditional power hungry bloodlust madmen can't be interesting characters, but I ultimately think that relatable antagonists are much more enjoyable to write and interesting to read about.

Just my two cents on the matter.