Villains in books are meant to scare and shock us. These fictional bad guys are complex, evil, and often unforgettable. From the Joker to Sauron, the White Witch of Narnia to Lord Voldemort, literature has given us many terrifying enemies. Today, I’m picking five villains that I have hated but also found fascinating.
Professor Moriarty
“I wanted to end the world, but I’ll settle for ending yours.”
The first name that comes to mind is Professor Moriarty from Sherlock Holmes. He is called the “Napoleon of Crime” for a reason. He is Sherlock’s greatest enemy and the mastermind behind many of the crimes Sherlock investigates. Despite his ruthless and cunning nature, doesn’t he share some qualities with Sherlock himself?
Count Dracula
“Once again, welcome to my house. Come freely. Go safely; and leave something of the happiness you bring.”
The terrifying, blood-drinking vampire Dracula is not just a monster—he is also intelligent and unpredictable. His polite and aristocratic manners can be deceiving because, beneath them, he is cruel and merciless.
Iago
“I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at; I am not what I am.”
Iago from Othello pretends to be honest, but in reality, he is full of jealousy and lies. He tricks Othello into believing that his wife, Desdemona, is unfaithful. His ability to manipulate others is terrifying, and he destroys lives without any remorse. Having someone like Iago in real life would be a nightmare!
Shere Khan
Shere Khan, the powerful tiger from The Jungle Book, is cruel and dangerous. He does not respect the jungle rules and hunts humans, which is against the law of the wild. He is feared by all, and even has sneaky hyenas working for him. But when he targets Mowgli, the human boy, his downfall begins, as Mowgli outsmarts him.
Bellatrix Lestrange
“I killed Sirius Black! You coming to get me, Potter?”
I didn’t include Lord Voldemort on this list because, honestly, I dislike Bellatrix even more! She is a sadistic and ruthless witch who enjoys causing pain. She takes pleasure in cruelty and torture, and I will never forgive her for killing Sirius Black, Harry Potter’s godfather and her own cousin.