Book Blogger Hop - March 4 to 7

Time for another Book Blogger Hop, hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books.

Today's question:
"Who's your all-time favorite book villain?"

Saruman, from Lord of the Rings trilogy by Tolkien.

Just like most of the characters which Tolkien wrote, Saruman had a well thought out history. We glimpse bits and pieces of it through the trilogy, and in the LotR apocrypha. The wizards in Middle Earth were basically powerful angelic beings sent to oppose evil, and were very highly regarded by both elves and men. Saruman, like another famous semi-literary figure, fell victim to his pride, and eventually a lust for power. In his brief dialogs with Gandalf it becomes evident that his ego must be fed at all times, and one who was in the high councils of the mighty found himself craving more. More recognition, more power, more knowledge. He was the expert on the Palintiri, and looked deep into the heart of Sauron, who deceived him into believing that Saruman and Sauron could rule Middle Earth together. He's such a great villain because he just feels "real", not like some cardboard cutout thug placed in the story only as a foil for our hero.