A common trait is also being manipulative. The villainess will try to manipulate the situations and the people around her to get what she wants. She might manipulate the male leads by lying about the protagonist or creating misunderstandings between them to drive a wedge in their relationship.
To survive as a villainess in a deadly novel, you need to be smart. Try to figure out the key events and avoid getting involved in the dangerous ones. For instance, if you know there's a big battle coming up where the villainess is supposed to die, find an excuse to be elsewhere.
If I became a villainess in a deadly novel, I would first try to understand the plot and the reasons behind my character's villainous actions. Maybe I was misjudged or there were some misunderstandings. Then, I would attempt to change the course of the story. I could start by being kind to the protagonists and trying to form alliances with them instead of opposing them. This way, I might be able to avoid the 'deadly' end that was originally set for my character.
One way could be to try and form alliances with some of the other characters. Maybe find a character who is not directly involved in the main plot against you and convince them to help you. For example, if there are side characters who are neutral, offer them something in return for their support.
Well, of course, the main character is the one who becomes the 'true villainess'. There might also be a male lead, perhaps a hero or a love interest who is in conflict with her new villainous nature. And then there could be secondary characters like her family members, friends from before her transformation, or other villains in the story who she may interact with, compete with, or form alliances with.
Power and corruption could be a central theme. When becoming a 'true villainess', she may be tempted by power and gradually become corrupted by it. Love and hate is also possible. She might have complex feelings towards the people around her, such as hating those who oppose her and having an unexpected form of love or attraction to certain characters. Additionally, redemption could be a theme. Even though she's becoming a villainess, there could be a chance for her to redeem herself in some way.
I think it's quite an interesting concept. The idea of becoming a true villainess can lead to many unexpected plot twists. It might explore the character's journey from an ordinary person to someone with villainous traits, which can be both exciting and thought - provoking.
One similar novel could be 'The Villainess Reverses the Hourglass'. It also has a female lead with a somewhat villainous role. Another one is 'How to Get My Husband on My Side' which has elements of a female character having to navigate a complex situation like a villainess might. And 'I'm a Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss' is also in a similar vein.
You can try some popular e - book platforms like Amazon Kindle, or check your local library's digital collection if they have a wide range of novels available. Sometimes, official websites of the publisher also provide options for reading.