Sneak Peek: Writing My Villains in The Hidden Diary
Adebayo’s search for the truth leads him into a web of deception. A mastermind he trusts, a shadow villain with power, and a seductress play
In The Hidden Diary, there are three main villains, each playing a different role in a corrupt system. Let’s call them A, B, and C for now—no spoilers!
Before diving in, here’s a quick reminder of the setting: The Hidden Diary is a trilogy set in Nigeria. While the protagonist, Adebayo, is based in Lagos, the investigation leads him to another state where the crime took place. His main suspects come from Adaora’s diary—the victim’s own words leading Adebayo toward the truth. Of course, a red herring is also in play to keep both him and the readers guessing.
The Villains and Their Roles in Corruption
These three villains work together under the umbrella of corruption, each fulfilling a specific role:
The Mastermind (Brains) – The strategist. He stays close to Adebayo, acting as an ally while secretly ensuring the investigation doesn’t expose their operation. He’s someone Adebayo confides in—someone he trusts.
The Shadow Villain (Finances & Power) – Unlike the Mastermind, this villain isn’t directly involved in the investigation. He stays behind the scenes, operating from a different location where he has more control, connections, and influence. He funds their schemes and ensures loose ends are taken care of—without getting his hands dirty.
The Seductress (Manipulator & Distraction) – A woman who is there to throw Adebayo off track. She could be young or older, charming or seemingly helpful, but her real purpose is to mislead him, using words and persuasion to keep him looking in the wrong direction. One of the women already introduced in Book One plays a key role in this.
Adebayo’s Investigation is a Threat
These villains have a single goal: power and wealth. Getting rid of Adaora was easy for them—just another loose end tied up. But now that Adebayo is poking around, he’s becoming a problem. The tricky part? They can’t make his disappearance obvious. Unlike Adaora, Adebayo is an experienced investigator, and his absence would raise questions. So, they need to eliminate him without making a big deal out of it—all while continuing their corrupt activities in the shadows.
This sneak peek into my villains’ roles and dynamics gives you a taste of how they operate. Next week, I’ll be diving into why character occupations matter in mystery writing—stay tuned!