Jess A
Archmage
Oh, c'mon...I like a Dark Lord sometimes, as long as the rest of the story is gripping. Other times I prefer a realistic grey antagonist/protagonist. I have a bit of a nutcase character in the first novel, but he is only a small part of the plot. He has an entire history, though, and a reason for being the way he is. And he isn't evil. I have a problem with 'pure evil'.
I am a fan of people who are manipulative to get into power or to get what they want. It doesn't have to be magical in nature, it can be political or social, or a mixture of all three. These people aren't 'evil'. They can be ruthless, cruel and seemingly heartless to get what they want, but they can love, too. They can fear, and mourne, and they have insecurities.
What I don't really like is a villain or protagonist without a motive for their actions, whether 'good or 'bad'.
I am a fan of people who are manipulative to get into power or to get what they want. It doesn't have to be magical in nature, it can be political or social, or a mixture of all three. These people aren't 'evil'. They can be ruthless, cruel and seemingly heartless to get what they want, but they can love, too. They can fear, and mourne, and they have insecurities.
What I don't really like is a villain or protagonist without a motive for their actions, whether 'good or 'bad'.