Montresor is a villain because he has ill wishes towards his best friend. He says, “It must be understood that neither word nor deed had I given Fortunato cause to doubt my good will… and he did not perceive that my smile now was at the thought of his immolation” (Poe 1). Montresor says that he was smiling at the thought of Fortunato’s immolation. He is happy and excited at the thought of hurting and getting rid of Fortunato. This is the first instance in the story where you really get the feel that Montresor has ill wishes for Fortunato and wants to hurt him. Montresor, on multiple occasions, pretends to be worried and sympathetic towards Fortunato. While walking through the catacombs, Montresor insincerely offers to take Fortunato back up
