...Because no good story is complete without a proper, evil character. They cause drama, create conflict and mayhem and give us bone-chilling thrills that makes the book so good.
Can you imagine Harry Potter without Voldemort?
Or Sherlock without Professor Moriarty?
Whether you love them, or hate them, you've got to admit that these literary bad guys deserve much more than helping the good guy to be a hero. They come packed with an intense, complex personality and a single novel doesn't do justice to them. You (and we) deserve a book series that tells us how an evil character became evil... and why they're so supremely bad, that they're so awesome!
Which is why, we're asking which literary/book villain deserves their own book series in a spin off? Comment below.
Here is what some of our youth reporters have to say.
Voldemort
I think Voldemort must have his own book series. He has so many dark secrets are yet to be revealed and if done, will open doors to darker mysteries and myths in the Harry Potter world which is sure to grip readers and make them love the series even more. He is one villain that has created history and people await his presence in a film or book because his character brings in action, mystery, suspense and lot of drama. These are aspects every reader looks forward to in a book, and he is the most suitable character to bring these in.
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Stuti Agarwal, class XI, Riverside School, Ahmedabad
In my opinion, Lord Voldemort deserves his own book series. I want to find out more about his life and what the turning point was that made him a bad guy. It will be interesting to read a book that heroes Lord Voldemort. There is so much mystery regarding his character and his opinion on right and wrong is hardly touched upon in the Harry Potter books. I feel that the theme should be centred around his childhood and teenage years and should explain to the readers or rather justify his side of the story.
Noor Kumar, class XII, Carmel Convent School, Chandigarh
Sebastian
I feel Sebastian from the Mortal Instruments deserves his own book series. As a villain he knows what he wants and has immense knowledge to help him in his quest to change the world for the worse. His series would be interesting because with his background and the fact that he is the brother of one of the main protagonists, it would be fascinating to read more about his thought processes and the direction of his emotions that shaped him in adulthood.
Sadhvi Dash, class X, SIlver Oaks School, Hyderabad
Luke Castellan
When we read books, we tend to automatically dislike the villains and ignore whatever positive traits they may have. That's what villains are for aren't they?
Luke Castellan from the Percy Jackson series deserves at least a trilogy on himself, as well as his friendship with Annabeth Chase and Thalia Grace before the three of them reach Camp Halfblood. Although Luke is the main aggressor against Percy and has a great antagonism against the Gods for neglecting him, very less is said on why he felt let down by the Gods, especially his father, the Greek God Hermes. Throughout the Percy Jackson series, vague references to the time when Luke, Thalia and Annabeth were fighting for their lives on the streets are made, but their actual story was never shared. Enough of Potter. It would be interesting to know the back story of the "other" boy with the scar on his face -- Luke.
Anagha Ramanujam, class IX, Hiranandani Foundation School, Mumbai
Joker
I think the Joker from the Batman series should have his own book series. The Joker has a really dynamic character and he stands out with his eccentric personality. Unlike most villains, his back-story is a fascinating one and hence more focus should be brought to that area. The series would be called The Joker Series. The theme will be the inherent chaotic nature of mankind. Our tendency to hide behind heroes will be unmasked and the true chaotic nature of human lives will be revealed.Ishani Pant, Class XII, The Heritage School, Kolkata
Raavan
Raavan, a literary villainous character, should have a series on his life, in Ramayana and also the mythology which speaks of his past. He was cursed by Lord Vishnu in some previous birth, and in the present one as Raavan, he gained so much knowledge that to remove the curse he played the negative role and achieved his freedom. The knowledge he attained was amazing to create the play of Ramayana.
Shashwat Gupta, XI, Delhi Public School, Indira Nagar
Snape
JK Rowling's written character Professor Severus Snape indeed deserves a book series of his own. Even at his worst, was he a hero. "The dark arts are many, varied, ever changing, and eternal. You are fighting that which is unfixed, mutating, indestructible. His character can be described as a stitched blood red ribbon that looks crooked at its end until it wounds itself back to a rose. Even Harry Potter ensured that his portrait remains at Hogwarts, after his death, despite their differences. His heart wasn't beating blood but storms. His love for Lily made him to be seen in a light that hid in darkness. "Would you like me to do it now?" asked Snape, his voice heavy with irony. "Or would you like a few moments to compose an epitaph?"
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Tanya Singh, class XI, Bhavan Vidyalaya, Chandigarh
One of my favourite literary villains is Severus Snape. He is characterised as a person of great complexity, whose coldly sarcastic and controlled exterior conceals deep emotions and anguish. What interest me the most is his enigmatic character. The first book Harry Potter series starts off portraying Snape as a hostile teacher. As the story progresses the character becomes more layered. In the end we come to know that Snape is actually a pivotal character of considerable intricacy and moral ambiguity. I think a series can be written on Severus Snape and the theme could be his twisty life story. I feel that his life had been more thrilling that life of Harry Potter. The novels should cover his emotions and his careful planning for successful execution of his ideas. The whole series should reflect his endurance and also his extreme scrupulous mind that helps him satisfy both Voldemort and Dumbledore. His character might become an inspiration to all the readers.
Breenda Das, class X, Apeejay School, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai
Duryodhana
I believe Duryodhana is the perfect villian. No person can be entirely good or bad. Many books have been written on Duryodhana and from his point of view. But, the great Kuru Prince has not yet received a book series. Clearly mistaken and a person with an open mind, much ahead of his generation and a great King, Duryodhana has always been the antagonist in Vyasa's Mahabharata. The theme of the series could vary with each book, keeping in mind Mahabharata's pallette of emotions. I believe Duryodhana was forthright and made his choices courageously. Yes, at times he was manipulated by Shakuni and he did make mistakes for which he was punished. He lived life to the fullest and believed in a person's skill and not his external factors or creed. He held his head high even when he was defeated and never followed anyone blindly. He respected every relationship, the highest being friendship.
He was the perfect representation of the human being - a mere mortal, no superpowers, filled with imperfections and flaws and with a never-say-die attitude.
Neha Vasist, class X, NHVPS, Bengaluru
Shakuni mama
I'd like a series on Shakuni mama. His intense love for his sister and his nephews made him tread the path he did. It's very intriguing that his one cunning idea of the game of dice, gave rise to one of ancient India 's greatest wars and consequently the Bhagvat Gita. It would be interesting to know how his mind worked and also whether he was really as bad as he was during the Mahabharata. Did circumstances make change him? I'd like a book series devoted to this aspect of his life. The Mahabharata does not tell us much of that. The Pandavas, Kauravas and Lord Krishna are more prominent in the Mahabharata. That's why I want a book series that talks of Shakuni mama's past life.
Shambhavi Sabhahit, class X, GG International School, Pune
Heathcliff
I'd like a series on Wuthering Height's antagonist, Heathcliff, for two reasons - he has an intriguing and self-conflicting personality; also, I'd like to know about the the time when he wasn't living with Hindley and Catherine. His dark personality was majorly built by his unfortunate circumstances. Otherwise he must have been a passionately warm hearted and capable person.
Virika Thorat, class X, GG International School, Pune
(Inputs by Team NIE)
This story was a part of the ToiStudent LitFest held between November 25-27, 2016!
A super short online event created for you book lovers, nerds, writers, poets and basically anyone who loves books in any form.