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Imagine you’re sitting comfortably, engrossed in a novel or a film. You’re on the edge of your seat, enthralled by the unfolding drama, and suddenly you find yourself empathising with…the antagonist? Hold on to your popcorn, folks! We’re about to delve into the art of writing relatable antagonists.
Who is the Antagonist?
The antagonist is often misconstrued as the ‘bad guy’, but that’s an oversimplification. They are simply the character who opposes our protagonist; their goals conflict with those of our hero. However, an antagonist becomes truly fascinating when they are not merely a roadblock for our hero but a fully fleshed-out character in their own right.
Why Write Relatable Antagonists?
A relatable antagonist adds depth and complexity to any story. They challenge not only the protagonist but also us as readers or viewers. We begin questioning our perceptions about right and wrong, good and evil. It’s this moral ambiguity that makes stories thrilling and thought-provoking.
How Do You Make Your Antagonist Relatable?
1. Give Them Realistic Motivations
No one sees themselves as the villain in their own story. Even antagonists believe they are doing what’s necessary or even righteous from their perspective. Therefore, giving them motivations that are understandable makes them more human, more real to us.
2. Make Their Backstory Count
A well-crafted backstory can explain why an antagonist behaves in a certain way without justifying their actions outright. A tragic past doesn’t excuse future wrongs but it does make us empathise with them.
3. Show Their Vulnerabilities
Showing an antagonist’s vulnerabilities makes them more relatable. It reminds us that they are human, prone to mistakes and failures just like the rest of us.
Examples of Relatable Antagonists
Let’s take a look at some examples from literature and film where antagonists have been written as relatable characters.
1. ‘The Dark Knight’ – The Joker
In Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Dark Knight’, The Joker is not just a maniacal clown prince of crime but a character who challenges our notions about chaos and order. His motivations, however twisted, force us to question our own beliefs about morality and justice.
2. ‘Pride and Prejudice’ – Mr Darcy
In Jane Austen’s classic novel, Mr Darcy starts off as an antagonist, appearing proud and aloof. However, his backstory reveals his struggle with social awkwardness and responsibility which paints him in a sympathetic light.
The Balancing Act
Crafting a relatable antagonist is indeed a delicate balancing act. You don’t want your readers to completely side with the antagonist or excuse their actions outright. But you do want them to understand why the antagonist does what they do.
In essence, writing relatable antagonists is about exploring the complexities of human nature. It’s about showing that even those who oppose us have their own stories, their own dreams and fears. And who knows? Maybe next time when you’re engrossed in a story, it won’t be such a surprise when you find yourself empathising with the ‘bad guy’.
So go on then! Embrace the grey areas, delve into the complexities, and start crafting your own relatable antagonists. After all, it’s these nuanced characters that make stories truly unforgettable.
