Quill&Steel
Villain Workbook PDF (NEW!)
A workbook for crafting believable antagonists and morally complex villains.
Don't want to write one-dimensional bad guys? This villain workbook PDF helps you build the kind of antagonist who makes readers uneasy because they almost understand them.
Inside, you'll find guided prompts, examples, and mini lessons to help you uncover what drives your villain, how their past shapes them, and how to make their motives feel logical.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to create fantasy villains that drive your story forward.
Specifications
This Villain Workbook comes in a fillable (or printable) PDF.
Refund policy
Since my products are digital downloads (like Notion templates and PDF workbooks), they can’t be “returned” in the traditional sense.
That said, your experience matters to me. If you run into an issue or feel a product isn’t the right fit, you’re welcome to reach out within 48 hours of purchase.
Refund requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and granted at my discretion.
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Evil isn’t born. It’s built.
Discover what turned your villain into who they are. Create motives, memories, and moral lines they’ll die to defend.
What you'll find in this villain workbook
→ Lessons covering every layer of villain creation, from motivation to downfall
→ 25 guided prompts with short coaching blurbs and examples under each one
→ The Six Antagonist Beats framework to map your villain’s rise, climax, and aftermath
→ A full villain archetype chart (Tyrant, Zealot, Reformer, Dark Mirror, and more)
→ Exercises for naming, appearance, and symbolism to make your antagonist iconic
→ “7 Antagonist Mistakes” guide to help you avoid cliché writing traps
→ Plus: bonus examples from fantasy antagonists like Umbridge, Sauron, and Darth Vader
Frequently asked questions
Can this villain workbook be used for antagonists?
Yes! This workbook isn’t just for classic villains. It’s for any character who stands in the way of your protagonist’s goal. Whether it’s a tyrant, rival, mentor, or misguided hero, the prompts help you craft believable antagonists with motives, values, and logic that make sense (even when they’re wrong).
What format is the workbook in?
It's a fillable PDF. You can type directly into the file or print it out and work by hand—whatever fits your process.
Is this workbook beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. Each mini-lesson explains the concept in plain language and each section includes examples to guide you. You’ll never stare at a blank page wondering where to start.