Top 5 Villainesses Who Live Up to Their Roles

The Evolution of the Villainess Trope in Manga and Manhwa

The most frustrating aspect of a story is when it introduces a character or plot device that starts with a clear premise only to abandon it later. This issue is especially prevalent in movie and book tropes, where expectations are not met. One such trope that has gained attention in recent years is the “villainess trope,” which can be found in many manga, manhwa, and manhua. This trope features a female character who serves as the protagonist but could be seen as an antagonist from another perspective. These characters are often disliked or misunderstood by others in the story.

Unfortunately, as more stories featuring villainesses are written, some authors have overlooked the core elements that make a villainess compelling—her personality traits and motivations. This article aims to highlight some villainesses who truly embody the title and serve as excellent examples of how a villainess should be portrayed.

Remilia from The One Within the Villainess

One of the standout villainesses is Remilia from The One Within the Villainess. This manga is known for its flawless use of the villainess trope. Remilia, the protagonist, becomes a villainess because she seeks revenge for her loved one, Emi. In her eyes, Emi was the only person who truly cared for her, and when she sees Emi mistreated by those she once helped, Remilia takes action to get back at them.

This manga stands out by redefining the typical villainess protagonist. Instead of being transmigrated or reborn into a story, Remilia is an original character who discovers what happens to herself in the future and changes it for the better. Her role as an omniscient narrator adds depth to her character and makes her journey more engaging.

Roxana from Roxana

Although Roxana is discontinued and incomplete, it remains a classic example of the villainess trope. The manhwa is complex, with multiple characters and plot points that create an intricate narrative. The Agriche family’s dynamics and their classification as an “evil family” help explain why Roxana is the way she is. Her twisted personality is understandable, yet readers still hold her accountable for her actions.

From raising poisonous butterflies to confronting murderers for her siblings, Roxana demonstrates her survival skills in a world governed by a “kill or be killed” rule. Her story is both captivating and thought-provoking.

Celestine from The Flowery Path of Evil

The Flowery Path of Evil offers a unique take on the villainess trope. The leading lady, Celestine, is introduced on an altar getting married to a man twice her age. Surprisingly, she embraces the situation because she prefers older men. Despite being involved in criminal activities, she maintains a strong relationship with her husband, the prime minister.

Celestine is a rare example of a villainess who accepts the systems of the era she inhabits, including medieval torture, slavery, and child marriages. While the manga is more wholesome than dark, Celestine’s portrayal highlights the complexity of her character.

Lass from I Will Fall With the Emperor

Lass, from I Will Fall With the Emperor, is another compelling villainess driven by revenge. Reborn after being abused by her family and cast away by her country, Lass seeks vengeance for the version of herself who died in another life. Unlike many other villainesses, Lass is humanized through her relationships with others.

She builds strong friendships and even develops a healthy romantic relationship with her husband. There are moments where she laughs and jokes, making it easy to forget her villainous nature. This manhwa is underrated as it features a villain-villainess couple as protagonists, offering a fresh perspective on the trope.

Sarang Yu from I Dare You

Sarang Yu from I Dare You is a modern-day psychological thriller that showcases a different side of the villainess trope. Her actions are extreme, such as putting her mother in a freezer. While her reasoning may make sense in her inner monologue, her methods are often brutal.

The manhwa follows a group of high schoolers who try to gauge her sanity by making her complete dares from their “Embarrassment Game.” Readers also learn about her abusive father and the tragic circumstances surrounding her mother’s death. I Dare You is an intriguing addition to the psychological horror genre and the villainess trope.

Conclusion

While only five characters were highlighted, there are countless other villainesses in manga and manhwa that deserve recognition. However, many of these stories are often overlooked in favor of more mainstream content. Hopefully, this article helps readers discover the depth and complexity of true villainesses and appreciate the unique stories they bring to the table.