If there’s one thing I love more than a hero who wrestles with their conscience, it’s a villain who doesn’t think they need one. Enter Gabriel Stanton, former vampire overlord, billionaire, and master manipulator. He embodies control, ambition, and—let’s be honest—exceptional taste in cufflinks.
The Ultimate Power Player
Gabriel Stanton doesn’t just want power—he owns it. For over 3,000 years, he was a vampire at the top of the food chain, wielding wealth, knowledge, and influence like a finely honed blade. His resources were limitless, his enemies were terrified, and his suits were always immaculate. But then… Corinth Taylor happened. The last Nephilim. The wielder of the Holy Lance. The one person who could throw a wrench into his carefully laid plans.
And oh, did he ever.
When Corinth stripped Gabriel of his vampirism, it wasn’t just a loss of supernatural strength—it was a loss of identity. No longer immortal, no longer untouchable, Gabriel had to grapple with something he never had before: mortality. But did he wallow in self-pity? Of course not. He recalculated. He adapted.
"I Am Always Right"
One of my favorite things about writing Gabriel is his absolute conviction that he is never wrong. He’s not just playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers—he built the board and decided which pieces you’re allowed to use. Even when his plans unravel, he pivots so smoothly that you’d almost believe it was all part of the design. He doesn’t rant. He doesn’t break composure. He adjusts his cufflinks, delivers a scathing observation about your incompetence, and moves forward.
Does he manipulate? Absolutely. Is he a monster? That depends on your definition. He doesn’t believe in senseless destruction—after all, what’s the point of ruling over ashes? His vision has always been order, control, and a world shaped by his hand. He’s a savior in his mind, the only one capable of steering the supernatural world in the right direction. The fact that no one asked for his leadership is irrelevant.
The Evolution of a Villain (or Antihero?)
What makes Gabriel so compelling to write is that he’s not static. He evolves begrudgingly.
But here’s the twist: deep down, some part of him was healed when he saved Corinth's life. Not that he’d ever admit it. He still sees kindness and compassion as weaknesses, but now and then, there’s a crack in the armor. A moment where he could be cruel but instead chooses restraint. He immediately regrets it because what is happening to him?
Why Readers (and I) Can’t Get Enough
Gabriel Stanton is the kind of character you love to hate—and sometimes, just love. He’s powerful, ruthless, and wickedly intelligent. Still, he’s also trapped in a story that forces him to confront the very things he despises: vulnerability, connection, and the possibility that maybe, just maybe, he doesn’t have all the answers.
And let’s be honest—watching him begrudgingly grapple with his new reality while still being the most calculating player on the board is just so much fun.
So, what’s next for Gabriel Stanton? We shall see. One thing’s for sure—he’ll never go down without a fight. And he’ll look damn good doing.
Are you Team Gabriel? Do you love a morally gray antihero with a god complex? Drop a comment and tell me your favorite villainous mastermind!
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