“I am all in a sea of wonders. I doubt; I fear; I think strange things, which I dare not confess to my own soul.”
Villains are the lifeblood of some of the most unforgettable stories. Whether masterminding sinister plots, grappling with inner demons or simply outshining the heroes, great villains leave a lasting impression on readers. But the best villains aren’t just evil for evil’s sake – they’re complex, morally grey and sometimes disturbingly relatable. They make you question whose side you’re truly on. You cannot help but admire their brilliance even when you loathe them. Which is why we here at What We Reading are diving into our favourite books with the best villains you love to hate. From clever manipulation and tragic antiheroes to outright evil masterminds, these characters prove villains are capable of capturing the spotlight. From dark fantasies to psychological thrillers, these iconic villains in literature are sure to make your blood boil, leave you stunned and perhaps even earn your begrudging respect.
1984 – George Orwell
First up on our list of books with the best villains is George Orwell’s timeless classic, 1984. In this chilling dystopian novel, society is governed by an all-seeing, all-powerful regime that controls every aspect of life. A seemingly ordinary man soon finds himself questioning authority and grappling with impossible decisions.
The Villain: Big Brother isn’t an individual, but a terrifying symbol of absolute power. The regime’s omnipresent surveillance and propaganda instil paranoia, making every citizen complicit in their own oppression.
What Makes Them Iconic: Big Brother remains one of the most iconic symbols of tyranny, demonstrating how fear and control can erode individuality. Readers are left shocked by how relatable it is to contemporary society.
Check Out The Best Books Like 1984
The Cruel Prince (The Folk Of The Air #1) – Holly Black
Set in the glittering yet dangerous world of Faerie, The Cruel Prince orbits around Jude, a mortal girl, as she navigates courtly intrigue, power struggles and her desire to feel included in a world that views humans as inferiors. Brought up in Faerie after her parents’ murder, Jude must prove herself worthy whilst grappling with her complicated relationships and her own ambitions.
The Villain: At first, Cardan Greenbriar appears to be the primary antagonist – a cruel and arrogant faerie prince who revels in tormenting Jude. As the story progresses, his layers are peeled back, revealing a complicated past. Cardan’s arrogance, wit, and moments of vulnerability make him a fascinating character that readers love to hate.
What Makes Him Iconic: Cardan isn’t your typical villain – his sharp tongue and magnetic charisma make him as despicable as he is irresistible. His evolution from bully to antihero adds depth to his character, and his complex relationship with Jude cements his status as one of the best villains in the YA fantasy genre.
Brave New World – Aldous Huxley
In the technologically advanced yet deeply unsettling world of Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, society is meticulously controlled to ensure stability and happiness. Individuality, emotional depth and free sacrifice are all sacrificed for the greater good, with citizens conditioned from birth to accept their status without question. Into this rigid society steps John, the ‘Savage’, whose resistance exposes the dark underbelly of this utopia.
The Villain: Mustapha Mond, the World Controller, serves as the face of the regime and its enforcer. Unlike traditional dystopian novels, Mond is not overtly cruel; instead, he is a pragmatist who genuinely believes that control is a necessity for social harmony. His calm rationality and persuasive arguments make him a chilling and disturbingly relatable character.
What Makes Him Iconic: Mustapha Mond stands out because he isn’t evil in the traditional sense – he’s a man who embodies the ideas of the society he oversees, making his villainy all the more disquieting. His debates with John challenge readers to wrestle with philosophical questions about happiness, freedom and the price of stability.
The Silence Of The Lambs (Hannibal Lecter #2) – Thomas Harris
In this chilling psychological thriller, FBI trainee Clarice Starling is assigned to interview Dr Hannibal Lecter, an incarcerated psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer. She hopes to gain insight into another homicidal killer dubbed ‘Buffalo Bill’. As Clarice delves deeper into the case, she finds herself in a disturbing game of cat and mouse with Lecter, who offers to help – but at a cost.
The Villain: Dr. Hannibal Lecer is the epitome of a villain readers can’t help but be fascinated by. With his razor-sharp intellect, cultured demeanour and chilling lack of empathy, Lecter is a figure of terrifying elegance. Despite his horrific actions, his charisma and unsettling insight into human behaviour help make him a mesmerising presence.
What Makes Him Iconic: Hannibal Lecter’s brilliance as a villain lies in his duality: he’s both a monster and a man of sophistication. His eerie sense of politeness, dark humour and ability to manipulate everyone around him make him an unforgettable character. His relationship with Clarice – part mentor, part predator – adds layers to his character, making him one of the most iconic villains in literary history.
Dune (Dune #1) – Frank Herbert
In the sprawling desert world of Arrakis, young Paul Atreides is thrown into a web of political intrigue, betrayal and destiny as he becomes embroiled in the struggle for control over the planet’s most valuable resource: spice. Frank Herbert’s Dune is a tale of power and survival against an epic backdrop of a harsh and unforgiving environment.
The Villain: Baron Vladimir Harkonnen is a grotesque and cunning antagonist, the Head of House Harkonnen and a master of political scheming. Ruthing and calculating, the Baron utilises his intelligence and cruelty to maintain his grip on power. His vendetta against House Areides and his manipulation of those around him make him a seriously sinister force.
What Makes Him Iconic: The Baron’s sheer malevolence is matched only by his disturbing charm and strategic brilliance. He’s the embodiment of greed and decadence, physically repulsive but intellectually formidable. His villainy resonates not only in his personal acts but also in how they reflect the larger structures within the Dune universe.
Check Out The Best Books Like Dune
Macbeth – William Shakespeare
In Macbeth, the ambitious Scottish general Macbeth is foretold by three witches to become the King of Scotland. Driven by the prophecy and the urging of his wife, Lady Macbeth, he murders King Duncan to seize the throne. However, guilt, paranoia and a series of equally brutal actions soon begin to unravel him, leading to his eventual downfall.
The Villain: Whilst Macbeth himself is the central antagonist, Lady Macbeth is arguably a more manipulative and immediately villainous character. She pushes her husband to commit regicide and is determined to see him crowned crown, even when he hesitates. Macbeth’s subsequent descent into tyranny and madness makes him a tragic character who grows more villainous, whereas her steely resolve makes her a fearsome presence.
What Makes Them Iconic: Macbeth and Lady Macbeth stand out as some of literature’s most iconic villains due to their psychological complexity. Their ambition leads them to commit horrifying acts. But it is their inner turmoil and gradual unravelling that truly makes them unforgettable. Their arcs come to symbolise the consequences of unchecked ambition, making them a chilling portrayal of how power and guilt can corrupt even the most noble individual.
All The Light We Cannot See – Anthony Doerr
Set during the Second World War, All the Light We Cannot See tells the story of two characters whose lives become intertwined amidst the destruction of the conflict. Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, is forced to flee Paris with her father as the Nazis invade. Meanwhile, Werner, a German soldier, is recruited to fight for the Nazis whilst wrestling his own inner demons.
The Villain: Major von Rumpel is the primary antagonist, a ruthless Nazi officer tasked with locating a priceless diamond known as the Sea of Flames. His relentless pursuit of the diamond mirrors the larger destructive force of the ar. Driven by greed, obsession and a belief in the superiority of the Nazi regime, von Rumpel is a chilling presence who represents the moral blindness of the war.
What Makes Them Iconic: Von Rumpel’s villainy lies in his unyielding dedication to his mission, alongside the sinister moral justifications he offers for his actions. His dogged pursuit of the diamond contrasts sharply with the innocence of the people he harms. Unlike more traditional villains, von Rumpel’s obsession comes from a genuine belief in the war effort and the importance of control, making him an unsettling representation of the true horrors of war.
Check Out The Best Books Like All The Light We Cannot See
Sharp Objects – Gillian Flynn
In Sharp Objects, Camille Preaker, a journalist with a difficult history, returns to her hometown to report on the brutal murders of two pre-teen girls. As Camille uncovers dark secrets about both her family and the town, she is forced to face her own troubled past that defines her.
The Villain: Adora Crellin, Camille’s mother, is a chilling figure at the centre of the novel’s suspense. Though outwardly a wealthy and respected member of the community, Adora is shown to be manipulative, controlling and abusive behind closed doors. She exhibits a form of ‘Munchausen syndrome by proxy’, causing harm to her daughters to garner attention and sympathy.
What Makes Her Iconic: Adora’s villainy is particularly terrifying because it stems from a distorted sense of love and care, turning what should be nurtured into something deeply harmful. Her manipulation, emotional abuse and capacity for cruelty in the name of motherhood make her a psychologically complex and terrifying villain.
The Name Of The Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle #1) – Patrick Rothfuss
Patrick Rothfuss’ The Name of the Wind opens with Kvothe, an infamous figure renowned for his unparalleled skill in music, magic and combat, recounting the story of his life to a Chronicler. Through his narrative, readers learn about Kvothe’s humble beginnings as an orphaned traveller, his time at the prestigious University, and his relentless pursuit of knowledge to avenge the mysterious death of his parents.
The Villain: Ambrose Jakis, a student at the University and a recurring antagonist to Kvothe, initially appears to be a small nuisance. Yet, as the story unfolds, his malice becomes a symbol of the corruption and challenges Kvothe faces in his quest for answers.
What Makes Him Iconic: While not a traditional villain in terms of grand schemes, Ambrose’s role as a constant thorn in Kvothe’s side adds depth to the narrative. His bullying represents the societal and institutional barriers that Kvothe must overcome, amplifying his struggles as an outsider. Ambrose’s villainy is defined by deep-seated jealousy, which reflects broader themes of power dynamics, ambition and the limitations of youthful idealism in the face of system hurdles.
The Lord Of The Rings (Middle Earth) – J.R.R. Tolkien
Sauron, the Dark Lord of Mordor, is the central antagonist in The Lord of the Rings. Once a powerful Maia spirit, he sought to dominate all of Middle-Earth, using the One Ring to control other beings and enslave entire civilisations. Through his malic and desire for absolute power, Sauron spreads darkness and fear across the land, compelling his servants like the Nazgul and Orcs to wage war on the Free Peoples. Whilst he is physically absent for much of the narrative, his power and influence are felt lurking behind every shadow.
The Villain: Sauron is the embodiment of evil, a dark and corrupting force that seeks to control, destroy and conquer. His desire for the One Ring is driven by his need to subjugate all of Middle Earth. His true power lies in the fear and corruption he spreads, making him an ever-present, malevolent influence.
What Makes Him Iconic: Sauron’s villainy is particularly compelling because of his omnipresent nature – his influence is pervasive, even when he is not physically present. He represents the corrupting force of absolute power. As a symbol of evil, Sauron serves as a warning about the dangers of achieving dominance, helping to solidify his place as one of the most terrifying villains in books and films alike.
American Psycho – Bret Easton Ellis
Patrick Bateman is the narrator and anti-hero of American Psycho, a novel that delves into the dark undercurrents of 1980s Manhattan through the lens of a narcissistic investment banker. Bateman’s polished, perfect exterior hides a depraved, psychotic mind and his descent into violent madness is portrayed with cold, clinical detachment. Obsessed with status, appearances and consumerism, Bateman views himself as superior to his colleagues, lovers and the world itself.
The Villain: Bateman’s villainy is a mix of psychological disorder and a total lack of empathy. He spends his days partaking in superficial social rituals but, at night, he unleashes his violent urges on the unsuspecting innocents of New York, torturing and murdering with a terrifying nonchalance.
What Makes Him Iconic: Bateman’s character is iconic for his disturbing mixture of charisma and madness. His charm masks a deep-seated emptiness and a disturbing detachment from the real world. With Bateman at the core as one of the most memorable villains in literature, American Psycho is both a critique of consumer culture and a psychological exploration of the limits of human depravity.
Check Out The Best Books Like American Psycho
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest – Ken Kesey
Often referred to as ‘Big Nurse’, Nurse Ratched is the antagonist in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. As the head nurse of a psychiatric ward, she exerts control over the patients and staff, using her authority to preserve a strict, oppressive order. Her outwardly calm and professional demeanour hides her cruel, authoritarian nature.
The Villain: Nurse Ratched represents institutional power at its most dehumanising. Her cold, methodical control over the ward creates an atmosphere of fear and submission. She enforces rigid discipline, systematically stripping patients of their dignity and self. Whilst she presents herself as caring and concerned, her actions are driven by a desire for control, with little regard for the well-being of those under her care.
What Makes Her Iconic: Nurse Ratched is an iconic villain because she represents the corrupting power of institutionalised authority. Her ability to dominate the ward without ever raising her voice or showing emotion make her even more sinister. As a symbol of oppressive systems that suppress individuality and freedom, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s remains one of the most timeless books with the best villains.
Six Of Crows (Six Of Crows #1) – Leigh Bardugo
The Darkling is the main antagonist in Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows, though his full presence is more central to the Grisha trilogy. In Six of Crows, he remains a formidable, looming threat. He is the leader of the Grisha, the magical elite in the world of Ravka, and a man of immense power and ambition.
The Villain: The Darkling is a villain who embodies the allure of total power. His ability to manipulate people, combined with his tragic backstory and ruthless desire for dominance, makes him a complex and chilling character. As the leader of the Grisha, he has the means to enact his vision of a new world order; however, his ambition soon leads him down a dark, dangerous path.
What Makes Him Iconic: The Darkling is iconic because he combines traits of a tragic hero with the essence of a tyrannical villain. His magnetic personality and deep conviction in his cause make him compelling and multi-layered. He challenges the concepts of ‘good’ and ‘evil’, making him a villain readers can sympathise with. His complex relationship with protagonist Alina Starkov adds further layers of tension, helping to establish his status as one of the most memorable and nuanced villains in fantasy literature.
Check Out The Best Books Like Six Of Crows
Dracula – Bram Stoker
Jonathan Harker is a young English solicitor who travels to Translyvania to assist Count Dracula with a real estate transaction. Upon arriving at Dracula’s castle, Harker quickly discovers that his host is no ordinary man but a centuries-old vampire with dark plans to spread his undead curse across England. As Dracula moves to London, Harker and his friends struggle to find a way to stop the creature who threatens their lives and souls.
The Villain: Count Dracula is the archetype of the vampire myth, a figure of darkness, seduction and supernatural power. A centuries-old prince with the ability to control others, transform into a bat and manipulate minds, Dracula’s villainy is rooted in his insatiable thirst for blood and his desire to both dominate and control. He is both a monstrous predator and a charismatic figure, capable of both terrifying cruelty and enticing charm.
What Makes Him Iconic: Dracula is more than a villain – he is a symbol of fear, desire and the unknown. His character taps into Victorian anxieties about immigration, sexuality social decay. The Count’s chilling presence, his ability to manipulate and corrupt and his relentless pursuit of his prey make him one of the most enduring and iconic villains in literary. His influence extends well beyond Bram Stoker’s novel, shaping generations of vampire lore and pop culture.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
