Source of inspiration, play a villain (6)
I believe the answer is:
beacon
'source of inspiration' is the definition.
(as in a beacon of hope)
'play a villain' is the wordplay.
'play' becomes 'be' (as in playing a character).
'villain' becomes 'con' (short for convict).
'be'+'a'+'con'='BEACON'
(Other definitions for beacon that I've seen before include "Raised signal fire or light" , "Radio transmitter for positioning" , "Warning, guiding, fire" , "Warning or guiding device" , "Signal light on hill" .)