When I try to write fiction, I always struggle with finding what seems to me like a plausible motivation for the villain.
My husband always (rightly) comments that I am far too quick to discount plain old greed.
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(Disclaimer: I'm not a writer).
In fact, any of the seven deadly sins should be more than enough. Even laziness: imagine a mischievous and manipulative co-worker, spreading lies in order to avoid doing his own work. And being successful.
There are many other motivators. Most of all-powerful villains in fantasy and scifi act out of boredom or curiosity, for example.
