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  1. BurningPaws

    BurningPaws New Member

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    The villain occupation

    Discussion in 'Plot Development' started by BurningPaws, Sep 1, 2015.

    Hey guys,

    I'm in the process of developing a plot which is set in a fantasy world, but the protagonist is an old villain whose past catches up to her. I'm not really worried about the story, what I want to ask you all is, what is a different 'villain occupations' can you think of rather than the norm assassin who is just very good at hiding, fighting and killing. I've considered a poisons master, magician and such but I'm a bit stumped about more.

    Suggestions?
     
  2. Vandor76

    Vandor76 Senior Member

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    Thief
    Pirate
    Robber
    Swindler
    Mercenary
    Children abuser
    Kid/woman/slave dealer
    Former soldier who made nasty things in the past
    Former mage who tried to become a Dark Lord and rule the World but failed
     
  3. Aaron DC

    Aaron DC Contributor Contributor

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    A writer who steals borrows other people's ideas to write their novels. ;)
     
    Last edited: Sep 1, 2015
    Imaginarily likes this.
  4. Inks

    Inks Senior Member

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    Accountants, lawyers, schoolteacher. Economic and political councillor to a magistrate.

    Doing what is good for money is not always what you love, but it does grow on you.
     
  5. Ryan Elder

    Ryan Elder Banned

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    What does the villain do in his/her job, or what is his/her normal crimes, their MOs and motivations? This can help determine what skills they would be good at for coming after the MC.
     
  6. Fable Headed

    Fable Headed Member

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    1. Vintner – a maker/merchant of wines
    2. Innkeeper or Tavern-keeper
    3. Gravedigger
    4. Fortune-teller
    5. Prestidigitator – stage magician
    6. baker
    7. Herbalist
    8. Bookbinder
    9. Interpreter of different languages
    :)
     
  7. plothog

    plothog Contributor Contributor

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    Smuggler
    Unicorn poacher (or whatever creature is appropriate)
    Spy/saboteur
    Highway man
    Necromancer
    Narcotics dealer
    Illegal gnome boxing fight organiser.
     
  8. Burlbird

    Burlbird Contributor Contributor

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    Teacher, medical doctor, gardener, used-car salesman and graphical designer are few of the more villainous occupations I can think of :)

    Seriously: the less expected the character's background is, the more interesting his story might be. I mean, there are so many assassins and magicians that are killing innocents and enjoying it like all other good psychopaths - imagine if they were bloggers or seamstresses!!
     
  9. Cave Troll

    Cave Troll It's Coffee O'clock everywhere. Contributor

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    Hows about:

    Musician
    Photographer
    Construction Worker
    Programmer
    Medical/any (0 to +5 in self sufficiency when wounded depending on field)
    Artist
    Televangelist, or Talk/Game Show Host
    Lawyer (pretty evil)
    'Bad' Cop
    Office Drone
    Barista
    Interior Decorator/Fashion Designer
    Corrupt Politician (evil +10)
    Ah hell! Can be a Hamster Rancher (+10 Humor)

    There is a world full of endless types of 'normal' jobs (though I would love reading about the: Hamster Rancher by day, but by night he is a stealthy stone cold killer). Just find something that fits his personality. :D
     
  10. Kata_Misashi

    Kata_Misashi Active Member

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    Will never look at Starbuck workers the same again...
    Anyway... A librarian!
    That's just my 2 cents. x3
     
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  11. Cave Troll

    Cave Troll It's Coffee O'clock everywhere. Contributor

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    Most wise. Never can tell who is making your coffee. Muahahaha! Well I doubt the average Starbucks employee is really that evil. May never know their coffee is not all that great any way. Let me know if you feel dodgy the next time you order a latte. :D
     
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  12. Link the Writer

    Link the Writer Flipping Out For A Good Story. Contributor

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    :p

    But seriously, try a ballerina instructor for random, sheer insanity. :D
     
  13. NiallRoach

    NiallRoach Contributor Contributor

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    How is Child Abuser a job? Or at least, how is it a job distinct from Kid Dealer?
     
  14. Simpson17866

    Simpson17866 Contributor Contributor

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    @BurningPaws Let me take this in a different direction:

    How does her past catch up with her?
     
  15. Cave Troll

    Cave Troll It's Coffee O'clock everywhere. Contributor

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    It could be like a really abusive foster parent? :p
     
  16. Vandor76

    Vandor76 Senior Member

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    In the OP "villain occupations" was between quotation marks so I interpreted it with some freedom as "what kind of dark past could someone have that catches up to her?"

    To the OP : as she is your protagonist, you may want to make the reader relate to her. Keep in mind that there could be things that were not bad at the time when she did it, but now it is considered as such. If 20 years ago she became wealthy by trading with a neighboring country that is now the biggest enemy of your fantasy realm, than this could cast a shadow on her.
     

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