villain

Definitions

A character in a story, play, or movie whose evil actions or motives are important to the plot.

A person who is responsible for a specific harmful act or for causing trouble.

A scoundrel or a person of base or depraved character.

Examples

The hero finally defeated the villain in a dramatic showdown at the top of the tower.

Many readers find the complex motivations of the story's villain more interesting than those of the protagonist.

Synonyms

criminal scoundrel evildoer antagonist miscreant rogue wrongdoer

Antonyms

hero protagonist saint savior champion philanthropist good person