Writing Villains - Blog Posts

Hey because I am obsessed and will never stop talking about this movie, I would like to point out a small detail from The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

"Remember, Quasimodo: this is your sanctuary."

This line is followed up with a twisted, even sinister little smile from Frollo. It's a private little inside joke with himself.

"Sanctuary! Please, give us sanctuary!"

Quasi's mother's last words before Frollo kills her. Frollo's cruelty goes beyond the gaslighting and manipulation. He REVELS in the cruel irony of Quasi's situation.

This is why he's so effective as a villian. You don't have to write them complicated and relatable, you just have to write them CONSISTENT. Frollo is, as the movie hammers into our heads, a monster, even (and I would say especially) in private moments.