villainess

Villainess is a term used to describe a female antagonist or villain in fiction. It denotes a character whose actions or goals oppose the protagonist and drive conflict within a story. While villains can be of any gender, the label "villainess" is commonly used in discussions of literature, film, television, and games to highlight gendered framing of antagonists and its narrative implications.

Usage of the term is especially prominent in romance and fantasy genres, as well as in otome and visual novels. In these works, the trope often centers on a noble or high-status woman who is cast as the villain in the original plot, and the narrative focuses on avoiding a doomed fate or romantic rout. A well-known example in English-language media is the light novel and anime My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!

Characterization varies: some villainesses are depicted as cruel or calculating, but many portrayals add depth through backstory, power dynamics, or moral complexity. The trope can critique or reinforce gendered power, with settings ranging from aristocratic courts to fantasy realms. Redemption arcs or sympathetic portrayals are common alongside outright antagonism.

Etymology and related terms: the word is formed from villain plus the feminine suffix -ess. It appears in criticism and fan discourse to distinguish female antagonists from male ones. Related concepts include femme fatale, anti-hero, and various villain archetypes. As with many gendered labels, usage varies by culture and genre and can reflect evolving attitudes toward female villains.