FWIW, I dunno how people manage to RP as some kind of villain.
I don't mean to moralise about it.
I just think it's too much like hard work to try and invent a character and then try and play a video game according to that character's morals.
I've tried deliberately playing games like Skyrim or Fallout 4 as an "evil character" and it lasts for about half an hour and then I either simply forget to be "evil" or I find that making "evil" choices is likely to be more boring than making "good" choices.
Before my switch I tried playing as me but evil. Some Morrowind or Oblivion it was, I created new character, totally different build and full opposite from what I usually pick. That time it was sneaky rouge-like murderer, thief, scum, self centered opportunist. At first it felt awkward, to play against my good nature. Later it felt as ultimate freedom, not beingn bound by any rules, breaking any law if there was a profit for me, scamming people. But in the long run it felt just wrong. Tried being total <little Richard> in Fallout 3 and 4 - at some point I didn't want to launch those saves.
After my switch, dropping RPing a character in favor of guiding and observing main character I have more freedom. Probably some psychological effect, I'm projecting my evil me onto someone else while not identifying with that character. It was him/her who killed those poor merchant's, not me. But it also allows me to play in different styles.
This is mine RPing as a villain. I create a character, give them a personality, maybe some brief background and unleash them upon the world and "play" them and observe how they develop. My WoW Druid is a seasoned adventurer, well known and established one. A hero, veteran of many battles, conqueror of villians, wielder of powerful weapons. Wise master who is asked when need arise.
My Paladin is as paladinish as possible. Large frame, imposing posture, unbreakable will, resolve and dedication. Almost zealous in nature, vanquisher of evil, soo good and righteous you want to puke.
Along I play Warlock - undead and still scheming, always power hungry, self centered and indifferent towards other as long as there is power to be gained. Moral? Who need them when you can enslave demons and order them to do your bidding.
In WoW I play all 12 classes this way, each has its own story, personality and attitude toward world. Some of them good natured, some are plain eveil. Some are heroic, some are secretive. It brings flavor to the game as same zone, same quests played with different character feel different. I make choices "in character" and sometimes get interesting results.
For ED I decided for plain freelancer type. She doesn't care about politics, faction wars and such things. She's a simple pilot who has ship that is needed. Shiro focuses on plain cargo runs from station to station. She doesn't earn much as she's not affiliated with anyone tho she has some sympathy toward Aisling, Cubeo is her home station - well, as long as stored ships and modules in one place you call home.
She made her military ranks with Federation and Empire just to get access to rank locked ships. Guardian and engineering is a mean to be better trader and explorer. She is not into smuggling, pirating or any illegal activities. She wants to live peaceful and mostly ineventful life. When feeling truly adventurous she jumps into Vulture or FDL and try bounty hunting.
If I could have second save slot I'd make pure pirate character. Evil, lawless, law disregarding entity. With this character I could be that devil in your mind whispering and advising all those atrocities Shiro is against. And it would be delightful.
This is how you can RP a villain, give him/her a personality and whisper into his/her ear some wild ideas. Will they agree or resist. After some time it's better than book or movie.
