Strategies for Crafting a Relatable Antagonist Character: The Murderer as Protagonist

Writing a murderer who is also the protagonist can be a challenging and delicate task, as it involves creating a character that readers can both root for and be horrified by. This is a complex balancing act that requires careful planning and execution. In this article, we will explore some strategies and tips to help you craft such a compelling and layered character.

Why Write a Murderer Protagonist?

A murderer protagonist can be a powerful character in a narrative, especially if they are relatable or their actions exist in a moral grey area. Such characters can provide readers with a complex and multifaceted story, offering both horror and intrigue. However, it is crucial to approach this type of character with sensitivity and care, particularly when it comes to the potential impact on readers.

Tips for Crafting a Relatable Murderer Protagonist

1. Give the Character a Relatable Motive

To make the character sympathetic, it is vital to give them a clear and relatable motive for their actions. This could be a traumatic event from their past, a desperate need for money, or a desire for revenge. By grounding the character's actions in a relatable context, you can create a character that readers can understand, even if they disapprove of the character's choices.

2. Show the Characters Internal Struggle

A murderer protagonist is likely to experience guilt, fear, and self-doubt. These emotions can be explored through the character's internal dialogue and actions. By showing the character's internal struggle, you can create a more complex and nuanced character who is not simply a one-dimensional villain.

3. Don't Excuse or Justify Their Actions

While it is important to make the character sympathetic, it is equally crucial not to excuse or justify their actions. The character should take responsibility for their actions, and the consequences of those actions should be clearly depicted. This helps to maintain the integrity of the narrative and keeps the reader engaged.

4. Create a Moral Gray Area

A murderer protagonist can be more interesting and complex if their actions exist in a moral grey area. For example, the victim may be someone the character believes deserves to die, or the character may be killing in order to protect someone else. By creating a moral grey area, you can add depth to the narrative without making the character one-dimensional.

5. Make Sure the Character is Still Relatable

While the character may be a murderer, it is still important to make them relatable and human. This can be achieved through their relationships, hobbies, or interests, or even their sense of humor. By showing the character's multidimensionality, you can create a character that readers will be drawn to, even if they are horrified by their actions.

Getting Started with Self-Publishing

While writing a complex character like a murderer protagonist is challenging, getting started with self-publishing can be even more difficult. However, with the right strategies and resources, you can make the process easier and more effective. I have published over 200 books on Amazon and run over 120 million Amazon ads, and I have discovered the secret to getting books self-published easily and selling them.

The key to success is to break down the steps into easy-to-follow, bite-sized chunks. I have created a free self-publishing secrets checklist that can guide you through the process. By following this checklist, you can simplify the self-publishing process, increase visibility, and promote your books effectively.

Remember, the goal is to create a compelling and complex character like a murderer protagonist while still making them relatable and human. By following these tips and strategies, you can write a character that readers will both draw to and repel by. And by utilizing the right self-publishing methods, you can effectively reach your audience and sell your books.