[The Pelagic Argosy]

I prefer to read and write stories where the characters, regardless of whether they are labeled 'protagonists' or 'antagonists,' are motivated by a complex mixture of lofty ideals and selfish desires. The interest comes in discovering which motivations will win out. I think this approach has some advantages. 1) In the fantasy genre, it's a fresher approach than the 'band of heroes vs. a nebulous Evil/megalomaniacal dark lord' template. 2) The ending will be less predictable.

The fact that this relativistic approach is, IMHO, closer to the true nature of what we call "evil" is just an added bonus.