Dear Antagonist Who Has A Different Personality Every Draft,

You’ve just crossed a line. You realize that, don’t you?

Of course you’re free to cross any lines you choose. It’s just that … well, if you were hoping for reader sympathy by the end of the book, you’re going to have to work for it now.

Oh, well, if reader sympathy doesn’t interest you much … as you were.

Me

P.S. But I think you’re lying about that.

P.P.S. Yes, I know you don’t lie. Lots of my characters don’t lie. They all seem to make an exception for me, and I don’t honestly expect you to be any different.

P.P.P.S. Or you could be trying to fake me out into thinking you’re lying, yes. I’ve considered that possibility, too.