Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
We’re joined for OpenLearn podcast #2 by Professor of Psychology at The Open University, Zoe Walkington, to talk about the psychology behind fictional literature… and more specifically, about fictional villains! What happens to us when we read? Why do we like a good villain? Does what we feel for a fictional character cross into the ‘real world’? And who is the best fictional villain of them all?
Transcript media-podcast.open.ac.uk/feeds/4931/20250730T024333_Prof_Zoe_Walkington-Relationships_with_fictional_villains.pdf
Enrol in the free course, Introducing the psychology of our relationships with fictional villains, here: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/health-sports-psychology/introducing-the-psychology-our-relationships-fictional-villains
You can explore all of Zoe’s content on OpenLearn via her profile page: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/profiles/zw48
And to see more of Zoe and her thoughts on Twilight and Harry Potter, you’ll find her among the experts on our OpenLearn Shorts playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhQpDGfX5e7DDmrDs68aaah-O3wdAjbCc
Study BSc (Honours) Psychology at The Open University: open.ac.uk/courses/psychology/degrees/bsc-psychology-q07
If you are contemplating using this Open University content, please visit the Copyright and Intellectual Property section of OpenLearn’s frequently asked questions https://www.open.edu/openlearn/about-openlearn/frequently-asked-questions-on-openlearn
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality online degrees and distance learning, serving students across the globe with highly respected degree qualifications, and the triple accredited MBA. The OU teaches through its own unique method of distance learning, called ‘supported open learning’ and you do not need any formal qualifications to study with us, just commitment and a desire to find out what you are capable of.
Free learning from The Open University http://www.open.edu/openlearn/
For more like this subscribe to the Open University channel youtube.com/channel/UCXsH4hSV_kEdAOsupMMm4Qw
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/ouopenlearn
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/OUFreeLearning
#theopenuniversity #literature
We’re joined for OpenLearn podcast #2 by Professor of Psychology at The Open University, Zoe Walkington, to talk about the psychology behind fictional literature… and more specifically, about fictional villains! What happens to us when we read? Why do we like a good villain? Does what we feel for a fictional character cross into the ‘real world’? And who is the best fictional villain of them all?
Transcript media-podcast.open.ac.uk/feeds/4931/20250730T024333_Prof_Zoe_Walkington-Relationships_with_fictional_villains.pdf
Enrol in the free course, Introducing the psychology of our relationships with fictional villains, here: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/health-sports-psychology/introducing-the-psychology-our-relationships-fictional-villains
You can explore all of Zoe’s content on OpenLearn via her profile page: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/profiles/zw48
And to see more of Zoe and her thoughts on Twilight and Harry Potter, you’ll find her among the experts on our OpenLearn Shorts playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhQpDGfX5e7DDmrDs68aaah-O3wdAjbCc
Study BSc (Honours) Psychology at The Open University: open.ac.uk/courses/psychology/degrees/bsc-psychology-q07
If you are contemplating using this Open University content, please visit the Copyright and Intellectual Property section of OpenLearn’s frequently asked questions https://www.open.edu/openlearn/about-openlearn/frequently-asked-questions-on-openlearn
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality online degrees and distance learning, serving students across the globe with highly respected degree qualifications, and the triple accredited MBA. The OU teaches through its own unique method of distance learning, called ‘supported open learning’ and you do not need any formal qualifications to study with us, just commitment and a desire to find out what you are capable of.
Free learning from The Open University http://www.open.edu/openlearn/
For more like this subscribe to the Open University channel youtube.com/channel/UCXsH4hSV_kEdAOsupMMm4Qw
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/ouopenlearn
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/OUFreeLearning
#theopenuniversity #literature
