Writing.Com General Discussion

I don't know how many people have done this but, in my latest piece, my hero is an evil character. How we perceive evil is entirely a matter of perspective, though I want to leave no doubts about it. How do we portray evil and still make it a good read? Do we read it because we want to see what he does next, or because we grow to love/hate the character in that we want to see him change or fail?

To me, this character has a tendency to do bad things due to his upbringing and to protect himself or his interests. Then, amid a catastrophe, he embraces evil in a world where religion and lawful good are the rule. I'm not writing it to bash religion in any way, but to show there are ways to do bad things in the name of religion and, the oft used scenario, good and evil need each other to exist.

Most truly evil characters defeat other evil characters and stay two steps ahead of the good guys - who ultimately prevail. This is not the case in that I want my character to take over the scene, whenever possible, best everyone - most of the time - and still be believable and a likeable story. Anything come to mind? Yes, Riddick and a few others, but suggestions are welcomed. Thanks.