[Ntschotschi]

As I told earlier I spare some leisure time in writing a novel. Since I mostly use my closest friends' lives I had no problems so far. There are some strange characters I must confess http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif
But I have problems with the demon (no real role model here)
So: Why are demons so evil? What is the logic behind their deeds?
What is the most evil demon in your opinion and why?

[Vitriol]

Well, they've had a bad rap for the past couple of millenia.

As to why are they evil, first you must ask if they have any choice. The Bible seems to make clear that the gift of Free Will to man was the most precious, unique, gift imaginable. Angels are often presented as envying the race of man their free will.

so, if the angels were not given free will, just how did Lucifer choose to turn against God? Either it's all part of God's ineffible plan, and Lucifer has no real choice, or humanity's free will has somehow brought randomness into the universe, which can even affect the Seraphim.

Well, that's my take on it, anyway. Check out Graham Masterton's stuff for horror based on Christian doctrine for some pretty freaky demons.

[JohnH]

Read Carol Berg for a rather different slant on demons. Jane Routley wrote a standard take but wonderfully written book entitled MageHeart.

I think by definition demons are 'evil'.
Without going too much into the whole theme, a demon is an evil being that can possess the body and mind of another person. So when you ask why are demons evil? Because they are.
Just as well ask why is the sun golden instead of black or puce.

[Bardos]

What exactly are the "demons" in your stories?

(Very) generaly, I would say that an evil person does not consider himself evil, usually. He thinks (and perhaps he's right; who can tell?) that he is doing the right thing for himself/people/companions/whatever, or "the world is evil, and you must be tought", or "it's power or nothing", etc, etc.

[Llama]

For an interesting fictional take on demons try John Shirley's new book DEMONS.

And for reference info try Gustav Davidson's excellent A DICTIONARY OF ANGELS (INCLUDING THE FALLEN ANGELS) or the not as good A FIELD GUIDE TO DEMONS, FAIRIES AND FALLEN ANGELS by Carol Mack.

[Zsinj16]

Hey, Nschotschi, if you want to meet a good example of how evil a demon truly can be, you should meet a few of my old high-school principals! http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif

[Eventine]

Try reading Terry Brooks Word and Void series, with the first book being Running with the Demon. From what I recall, they discuss motivations of demons here.

[Loque]

I think to be truly evil in the classical sense would be to know you were doing wrong and not care as long as it is good for you.

[Ntschotschi]

Thanks for your info, I will check it out!
High school principal sounds good too http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif