Fully Booked EP161: Heroes, Villains, and the Gray Areas In-Between

Conflict drives every great story, but what truly makes a hero compelling? And why are villains often the most captivating characters on the page? In today’s episode of Fully Booked, we delve into the intricate "hero-villain dance" with novelist and former educator Lori Paul Johnson. By exploring the moral complexity of antagonists and the archetypal struggles of heroes, Lori breaks down storytelling techniques that keep readers hooked—revealing how a well-crafted villain doesn’t just oppose the hero but elevates the entire narrative.

Using a variety of vivid examples, Lori illustrates how heroes are forged in the fire of conflict—whether facing a formidable enemy, an unforgiving environment, or their own inner demons. But storytelling is rarely as simple as good versus evil. By embracing moral ambiguity and crafting anti-heroes, authors can create relatable and multifaceted villains who are as compelling as the protagonists they challenge. So whether you’re writing thrillers, mysteries, or character-driven dramas, this episode offers invaluable insights to help you create dynamic, page-turning conflict between richly developed characters—both "good" and "bad."

 

Lori Pollard-Johnson

https://www.sistersincrime.org/

 

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All episode details and links: 

https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast