Today, you can find me posting about six types of antagonists, over the wonderful website The Story Department.
The antagonist doesn’t have to be a person. It could be weather, circumstances, or the protagonist’s inner self. But, more often than not, the antagonist takes the form of a person. And crafting that person into a memorable and compelling character in his own right is vital to the success of your story.
Your antagonist needs to summon up reader emotions that are just as strong as those felt for the protagonist. Hateable bad guys will deepen reader sympathy for your protagonist. But, beyond even that, bad guys with whom the reader can identify to at least some degree are bad guys who will make him squirm even more.
Let’s a take a look at several categories into which your antagonist may fall, so you can choose the best one for your story.
The Link Between Your Story’s Pinch Points
7 Considerations for Your Antagonist’s Motivations (Which Will Save You SOOO Much Trouble)
Critique: 4 Ways to Write Sequel Scenes That Grip Readers
4 Questions to Prevent Plot Holes
About K.M. Weiland | @KMWeiland
Nice post, and you’re so right that the antagonist doesn’t have to be a person.
Personalizing the antagonist often makes him easier to present, but sometimes the most powerful antagonistic force isn’t human at all.