Is the "the villian isn't actually dead" trope bad? Can it be done correctly?
I've seen many stories were the main antagonist was thought to be dead before the events of the mainstory, but turns out their not dead and their back to make the MCs life miserable. I, personally, don't mind that trope (I'm not picky abt what I read) but I want to know what people think.
In the context of my story, the MC previously experienced a genocide. The person responsible for this genocide was caught, but through the help of loyalists and some shady ahh companies, they managed to escape. It was mostly kept underwraps though, since they didn't want people to panic about it. They had a fake trial and everything and "convicted" the said guy.
Well MC is needed once more because some people find out that the person responsible for the genocide (antagonist) was still alive. So they basically have to stop him once and for all.
I've seen this trope be used badly in books and movies, but I've also seen it used in a way that makes sense to the plot or genre.
I just want some input so I can revise plot before I start really working on it.