One of the most interesting characters can be the original heroine of the story. In 'reincarnated as a villainess fanfiction', she might be portrayed in a different light. Maybe she's not as perfect as she seemed in the original. The villainess's family members are also interesting. For example, a brother who is overprotective in the original story might become an ally in the fanfiction. And let's not forget the mysterious wizard or mage characters who might have a role in the reincarnation process or help the new - turned - good villainess along the way.
The protagonist, who is the reincarnated villainess, is of course a main character. She's the one driving the story as she tries to change her fate. Then there's usually a male lead, who is often part of the original story that she's now trying to rewrite. There's also the original heroine, with whom the protagonist has a complex relationship as she's now in the role of the villainess against her. These three are typically the main characters that shape the story.
One important character could be the villainess' former rival or enemy from her past life. Their interactions in this new life could be full of tension and drama. Also, there may be a mentor - like figure, perhaps an older witch or a wise noble, who helps the villainess understand her past and change for the better. And of course, her family members, whether they are supportive or part of her past problems, are important characters too.
One main theme could be redemption. Since the protagonist is a reincarnated villainess, she might be trying to atone for her past wrongs in her previous life. Another theme could be power struggle, as she might have been involved in complex power dynamics in her dark history.
One common plot device is the protagonist using her knowledge from her previous life to avoid the original villainess's bad end. For example, she might change her attitude towards the male lead or other characters. Another is the discovery of hidden powers or abilities that the original villainess didn't know about, which helps her gain an edge in the new world. Also, the creation of new relationships that were not present in the original story, like befriending characters who were once enemies in the original plot.
In the 'I Reincarnated as a Villainess' light novel, a significant plot point is the protagonist's struggle with the pre - existing narrative. She discovers she's in a world with a pre - determined plot where she is the villainess. This leads to her efforts to find loopholes and change the course of events. She may have to re - evaluate her relationships, like her interactions with the supporting characters who are often influenced by the original story. Her journey to break free from the expected 'villainess' path is really what drives the story forward.
One of the virtues could be her intelligence. In many villainess novels, the so - called villainess is often very smart. She is able to outwit those around her, even if her actions are sometimes misinterpreted as villainous. Another virtue might be her determination. Despite facing various difficulties and the negative perception of others, she continues to strive for her goals.
They are also presented in contrast to other characters. While the other characters may be weak - willed or overly dependent, the villainess with her virtues stands out. Her independence, for instance, becomes more obvious when compared to those who constantly seek help. Her loyalty, even if misplaced at first, makes her character more complex and interesting as it evolves throughout the story.
There could be her family members like her parents. They might play important roles in the story, either supporting or opposing her at different times.