Post by Miles on Jun 12, 2014 14:06:02 GMT -5
In today's pop culture the figure of the antagonist has been often satirized and has become a matter of laugh. Even the definition most people have of an antagonist is in fact, wrong. An antagonist opposes the protagonist. Antagonist is not equal to villain like protagonist doesn't mean hero, such as in the Shakespearean play, Macbeth. An antagonist can be so diverse, that sometimes it is not a person, but the ideology of the protagonist or even an inanimate being, such a place or an item of relevance. I can understand the use for comic moments in more humoristic-oriented fiction, but for those writing these wonders of literature for serious narrative, here are some ideas.
First of all. What is the objective of the antagonist by opposing the protagonist? This may only apply in the case of sentient beings but should be considered. Why is it that it makes it hard for the protagonist to reach his goal? Being bad for being bad's sake is not being a villain. It is being a madman or an idiot. Maybe it is something along the lines of revenge, honour, feeling of duty, opposing views of life. ANYTHING that makes sense for them to make a step and fight for it in a way or another.
Secondly, how they act. If you are acting for something, obviously you want it to go like you want it to. So I'd recommend to all of you to read the lists of 100 things I'd do if I was an Evil Overlord and it's continuation. It is funny, but puts the clichés of ventilation systems big enough for people to rest. If they can kill or stop the protagonist, have them do it. Instantly. Don't allow for a speech on how evil or good they are. That gives them time to think and also time to be defeated. "Will you at least tell me your reasons?" said Jim. The demon shot and only then he said: "No"
Third: does it make sense for them to oppose the protagonist? Is it really the best, or only way? Many problems have been solved when rivals joined forces in the past, so unless the distance is impossible to avoid.
And fourth, probably the most problematic. If you make them change towards the protagonists' side, PLEASE, make it something gradual. Changing the way of thought is something that needs time, and even then you might long to return to your previous lifestyle or miss something. Maybe the antagonist gets even more reasons to be one.
Of course, this mainly applies to characters that are sane. But in case they aren't, would they actually be a threat? Would anyone be willing to follow? Depends on you.
And that's it for now. Let me know in the comments below for any antagonist that has inspired you before.
First of all. What is the objective of the antagonist by opposing the protagonist? This may only apply in the case of sentient beings but should be considered. Why is it that it makes it hard for the protagonist to reach his goal? Being bad for being bad's sake is not being a villain. It is being a madman or an idiot. Maybe it is something along the lines of revenge, honour, feeling of duty, opposing views of life. ANYTHING that makes sense for them to make a step and fight for it in a way or another.
Secondly, how they act. If you are acting for something, obviously you want it to go like you want it to. So I'd recommend to all of you to read the lists of 100 things I'd do if I was an Evil Overlord and it's continuation. It is funny, but puts the clichés of ventilation systems big enough for people to rest. If they can kill or stop the protagonist, have them do it. Instantly. Don't allow for a speech on how evil or good they are. That gives them time to think and also time to be defeated. "Will you at least tell me your reasons?" said Jim. The demon shot and only then he said: "No"
Third: does it make sense for them to oppose the protagonist? Is it really the best, or only way? Many problems have been solved when rivals joined forces in the past, so unless the distance is impossible to avoid.
And fourth, probably the most problematic. If you make them change towards the protagonists' side, PLEASE, make it something gradual. Changing the way of thought is something that needs time, and even then you might long to return to your previous lifestyle or miss something. Maybe the antagonist gets even more reasons to be one.
Of course, this mainly applies to characters that are sane. But in case they aren't, would they actually be a threat? Would anyone be willing to follow? Depends on you.
And that's it for now. Let me know in the comments below for any antagonist that has inspired you before.
