So no one really asked me about this one, but it was a question that I thought I’d pose. Since most of my stories have a good vs. evil, religious, element to them (no they’re not preachy!), I thought I’d bring this up.

How does one write the devil? Is there a right way? Is there a wrong way? Well… honestly I don’t know. The devil comes in many forms; Lucifer, Satan, the Morningstar, Diablo, Dragon… the list goes on.

I’ve also seen him depicted in many ways as well:

– A revolutionary angel kicked out of Heaven for trying to take over. His wings are bloody and he has lost most of his angelic powers in favor of demonic ones.

– An antagonistic angel that is part of God’s ruling council, even though he really doesn’t get along with anyone and tends to challenge God on most things.

-An idealistic freedom fighter who lost his way while trying to free his brothers and sisters (angels being servants to God) from bondage.

-A hideous demon with red skin, horns, and a horribly long tongue.

-Tim Curry… that’s pretty much all I need to say. The man could’ve depicted the devil perfectly; a sly individual who always looks like he’s got something up his sleeve. (No disrespect intended, I am a huge fan!)

-A massive, multi-headed dragon that is almost incomprehensible.

-A demonic creature without form that can appear any way it pleases.

-A beautiful, seductive, woman looking to lure an unsuspecting sinner to his doom.

-A righteous angel that, while not evil, is given the task of judging and punishing those who commit evil.

-A bored man-child playboy who drives a sports car around, wreaking havoc on the city he lives in, making deals with people, and causing mischief where ever he goes.
(Yes, I do love the show Lucifer.)

Honestly, I could keep going, but those are the ones I see the most. So which would I use? Well… honestly I’ve done it a couple of ways, depending on the narrative that I’ve been going for. However, now I’m trying to build out a new story dealing with the devil and a new narrative.

So for the devil, I think the character would be pretty much whatever it wants. Is it evil? Yes and no. I have written in many of my stories that the devil was a revolutionary trying to free his people from eternal servitude. To him, the idea of serving humanity, a species that is in his eyes is inferior in every way to the angels, is the last straw in an eternity of indignities. The devil initially had the best intentions, but countless eons in Hell, being perverted and corrupted by evil would change him into something, knowingly or otherwise, that is wholly evil.

So in earthly form, as it will be appearing to humanity, I think it would be female. She’d be beautiful, mischievous, seductive, but also friendly, outgoing, and incredibly likable. I think I would a really then throw everyone for a loop when she turns out to be the bad guy.

Anyway, let me know what you all think? How would you write the Devil?

Readers,

Do you have a question about writing, publishing, my stories, etc? Please feel free to post a comment or email me.
jimthewritingwizard@gmail.com
I’ll use those comments to select my next blog post.

I have been writing for several years, have 4 published works, experience with publishing and independent work, so I can hopefully be of assistance.
Please note, I only do one of these a day and will do my best to respond to everyone, but it may take some time.

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http://www.amazon.com/James-Harrington/e/B00P7FBXTU

Thanks friends!
Catch you on the flip side!

-Jim