While I am creating a character who is suitable for a Disney show, it is advisable to look at villains from other areas as they all share common attributes that allow audiences to recognise, and possibly relate, to them as villains.
The most classic villain I can think of is The Joker. He needs no introduction here. Let's try and answer some of the questions that allow him to fulfil the criteria for the role of the villain... or "a" villain.
He doesn't want to become rich through unlawful acts, nor does he want to defeat Batman. He just wants to have fun, and his name and clown like appearance are suggestive of that. Perhaps I should consider a name for my villain as a means of creating context.
Perhaps the villain's purpose is to strike the fear of god into the hero, and his only aim is the kill and main. Like Carnage from Spiderman.
His black and red appearance connotes death and danger, and his muscular physique demonstrates his stature as a formidable foe who could go toe-toe with the protagonist.
Maybe the villains aren't supposed to be scary or pathological, but are to provide comic-relief. Rocksteady and Bebop from Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles.
However, what is it that makes them comic relief characters? From the above the picture, I don't see many differences between them and Carnage. Burly physiques, menacing eyes, armed to the teeth. It's simple -- their speech. It is very partisan and suggests low intellect. Should I consider giving my character a voice in order to differentiate him from this archetype?
Comparing Rocksteady and Bebop to The Joker raises the issue of intelligence:physical strength ration. The Joker doesn't look strong, but is more of a thorn in Batman's side than Rocksteady and Bebop are to the Turtles. Is it possible to effectively strike a balance between brains and brawn?
In light of that point, let's look at Skeletor.
Same colour scheme as the Joker, strong like Rocksteady and Bebop, terrifying like Carnage, and he successfully commands an entourage of villains and thugs who are all just as villainous as he is. The tone of Skeletor may be a little bit too serious, so how about something a little more light-hearted.
Another reference from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, have a look at Shredder:
Same colour scheme as The Joker and Skeletor, muscular, scary, has his own army, but isn't seen as a greater threat as either of them. He even has a deep, imposing, voice, and sharp, pointy armour -- something unique to him in comparison to them. This goes to show that it isn't just the aesthetic look of the character, but the context. Shredder is often mismatched in a fight as he is up against four adversaries. The only person who can defeat The Joker is Batman. The only person who can defeat Skeletor is He-Man. The only person who should be able to defeat Shredder is Spinter, but it is auxiliaries, the Turtles, who often defeat him.
On the topic of defeat, there is Megatron, from the Transformers.
Like most cartoon villains, he is foiled in every episode by the protagonists. However, Megatron has no qualms about playing dirty and even retreating when about to lose, despite all of the villainy qualities. These are qualities that falter in light of the qualities of the protagonists -- qualities of virtue and honour. Though, these qualities aren't restricted to the protagonists. A villain can have them too. It just makes him more likeable. Do I want my villain to be liked as well as feared? If not, maybe he should share some of the traits of Megatron.
All of the above have villainous eyes, but is itpossible to portray evil by obscuring the eyes?
Cobra Commander wears a helmet. He is just like Skeletor in a way, especially in the above picture. But I never agreed with how his eyes were concealed. I think the eyes tell a story about the man, and there is no story here. He looks like he has something to hide. Perhaps he is a leper, and he acts out because of his disease, which would make the audience feel sorry for him. While it is important for audience members to relate with all characters, there should be a level of animosity intended for the villain -- especially when compared to the main protagonist. Feeling overly sympathetic for more the main protagonist AND the main antagonist... there may as well be two main protagonists.
Above is the same character, face still obscured, but visible eyes. His story would be much more interesting than the other incarnation.
Age seems like an interesting attribute of antagonists. It suggests experience, and a particular type of cunning gained throughout the exploits of his life that has hardened him up to this point. How can I hint at age... grey hair? scars? wrinkles? eyes even? A young main antagonist isn't convincing. He is still young. His life hasn't shaped yet and he may even be susceptible to switching to the hero's side.
All of these provide great references. I think it is important to keep in mind, that I am not looking to create the perfect villain or antagonist here. If that was the case, he would win every week. The audience wants to see the hero win, and I mustn't forget that. I need the blend all of the qualities of the above, or even just some in order to achieve this. The most important thing is to make the character's motivations clear. He needs to have his own story, and the way to do this is to create a sufficient context, and a character design that matches that context.
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