Writing Excuses Episode 7: Villains
Are flaws necessary for villains? What traits make for a really good (err... evil?) villain? What's the difference between Sauron and Gollum? ("That's the LAST time I send you out shopping for Gollums, son...") Liner Notes: The Evil Overlord List, a handy reference for tropes to avoid (or, as the case may be, exploit...)
