Days of Our Lives has never been short on drama, and what’s a soap opera without a lineup of truly evil villains to shake things up?
Salem has seen its fair share of bad guys and bad gals who have done everything from plotting kidnappings to wrecking relationships—and some have gone down in soap opera history as unforgettable characters.
Villains are a vital part of what keeps fans coming back for more. Whether you love to hate them or find yourself fascinated by their schemes, these characters bring high-stakes drama and tension to the show.
Let’s dive into the top seven villains who truly made life difficult for everyone in Salem, from plotting power plays to exacting revenge.
1. Stefano DiMera: The Mastermind Behind Salem’s Chaos
When it comes to villainy, Stefano DiMera tops the list. Known as “The Phoenix” because of his ability to rise from the ashes time and time again, Stefano was the mastermind behind some of the most intricate and devious plots on Days of Our Lives. He had an insatiable appetite for control and power, and his main targets were often the Brady and Horton families.
Stefano’s Schemes: From Kidnappings to Brainwashing
Stefano’s villainous acts were wide-ranging. One of his most notorious plots was the brainwashing of Marlena Evans, turning her into his pawn. This storyline kept fans glued to their screens as Stefano tried to mold Marlena into his perfect partner.
But that was just the beginning—he was also responsible for countless kidnappings, especially of his children, whom he often used as pawns in his power games.
Stefano’s vendetta against the Brady family, particularly John Black and Roman Brady, caused years of tension and heartbreak. His manipulations of his children, including EJ and Kristen DiMera, meant that no one in Salem was ever truly safe from his reach.
Why Stefano Was So Effective as a Villain
What made Stefano such a compelling villain was his complexity. He wasn’t just evil for the sake of being evil—he had a twisted sense of love for his family, even if his actions showed otherwise.
Fans both feared and respected him for his intelligence, resilience, and unrelenting desire to dominate. Stefano was a villain who never gave up, making him a constant threat to Salem until the very end.
2. Kristen DiMera: The Manipulative Femme Fatale
If Stefano DiMera was the king of villainy in Salem, his daughter Kristen was certainly the queen. From baby switches to impersonations, Kristen’s schemes were legendary. One of her most defining traits was her obsession with Brady Black, which led her to do the unthinkable just to win his love and keep him by her side.
Kristen’s Darkest Schemes: Love Gone Wrong
Kristen’s love for Brady was toxic, and her jealousy often drove her to extreme measures. One of the most memorable plots was when she impersonated Susan Banks in order to get closer to Brady. Kristen also switched Sarah Horton’s baby with a dead child to hide the truth about her own child’s fate. This plot sent shockwaves through Salem and left many viewers in disbelief.
Kristen’s obsession didn’t just affect Brady—it caused a ripple effect that impacted other major characters, such as Marlena, John, and Victor Kiriakis. Her ability to manipulate others and use their emotions against them made her a formidable villain.
Why Kristen Keeps Coming Back
Kristen’s charm, paired with her devious nature, made her a villain that fans love to watch. She wasn’t just evil; she was also complex, with moments where she almost seemed to redeem herself, only to fall back into her old habits. Kristen’s unpredictability is what keeps viewers engaged—just when you think she’s changed, she’s back to her scheming ways.
3. Victor Kiriakis: The Businessman with a Dark Side
Victor Kiriakis may not have been as outwardly villainous in recent years, but his past is filled with ruthless decisions and shady dealings. As the head of the Kiriakis family and a powerful businessman, Victor didn’t shy away from using blackmail, bribery, and even violence to get what he wanted.
The Dark Side of Victor Kiriakis
Victor’s early years in Salem were marked by his involvement in organized crime. His connection to the underworld made him a dangerous foe, especially to those who crossed him. At one point, he even held Bo Brady, his own son, hostage to control him. His manipulation extended beyond his enemies—Victor often used his own family as pawns in his business schemes.
Though Victor eventually softened, particularly after his marriage to Maggie Horton, his legacy of villainy still looms large. His feud with Stefano DiMera was legendary, with both men using their power and influence to try and outdo one another.
Victor: A Villain or Anti-Hero?
While Victor mellowed over the years, he never completely shed his villainous ways. His actions, particularly in business, have always been morally questionable, making him a complex character. Fans are often torn between seeing him as a hero or a villain, depending on his motives at any given time.
4. Clyde Weston: The Criminal Father with a Sinister Past
Clyde Weston may not have had the same long-standing impact as Stefano or Victor, but his time in Salem was filled with darkness. Clyde’s backstory as the abusive father of Ben Weston set the stage for his villainous role. When he came to Salem, Clyde quickly became involved in drug dealing and violence, showing no remorse for his actions.
Clyde’s Impact on Salem
Clyde’s most significant contribution to the chaos in Salem was his role in the local drug trade. He used intimidation and manipulation to expand his influence, hurting many innocent people along the way. His relationship with his son Ben, who later became the Necktie Killer, added another layer to his villainy. Clyde’s abusive nature helped push Ben over the edge, creating one of the most disturbing storylines in recent Days history.
5. Orpheus: The Ultimate Revenge-Seeker
Orpheus was one of the most dangerous villains Salem has ever seen, and his vendetta against the Brady family lasted for years. His hatred for John Black and Roman Brady drove him to commit some of the most violent and terrorizing acts, including kidnappings, bombings, and attempts on their lives.
Orpheus’s Legacy of Fear
Orpheus’s return to Salem always meant trouble, and his cold, calculated nature made him one of the scariest villains to face. He didn’t just want to harm his enemies—he wanted to make them suffer. Orpheus was known for his intricate plots and the lengths he would go to in order to achieve revenge.
6. Eve Donovan: The Woman Scorned
Eve Donovan’s path to villainy was fueled by heartbreak and jealousy, particularly when it came to her rivalry with Jennifer Horton. After losing Jack Deveraux, the love of her life, to Jennifer, Eve became fixated on destroying Jennifer and her family.
Eve’s Vendetta Against Jennifer
Eve’s need for revenge led her to do terrible things, including using Jennifer’s daughter, Abigail, as part of her schemes. Eve was willing to hurt anyone if it meant getting back at Jennifer. Her bitterness and willingness to manipulate others made her a standout villain.
7. Xander Cook: The Charming Thug
Xander Cook may have started as a hired goon, but he quickly became one of Salem’s most dangerous villains. Xander’s charm and quick wit often masked his more devious side, making him one of the most unpredictable characters on the show.
Xander’s Rise to Villainy
Xander was involved in several kidnappings, drug dealings, and blackmail schemes. He also had no problem double-crossing his allies if it suited his needs. Over time, Xander developed a more complex character arc, but his past villainy still haunts him.
In conclusion, these seven villains brought chaos, heartbreak, and endless drama to Salem. From Stefano DiMera’s grand master plans to Kristen DiMera’s twisted love affairs,each villain left their mark on Days of Our Lives in unforgettable ways. The evil deeds and constant betrayals may have made life difficult for the residents of Salem, but they certainly made the show thrilling for viewers.
Want more soap opera drama? Be sure to check out our other articles on the best characters, shocking plot twists, and unforgettable moments in soap opera history!
Which villain do you think was the worst? Did we miss anyone? Let us know in the comments below!