Action/Adventure: July 07, 2010 Issue [#3795]
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Action/Adventure


 This week: The bad guy doesn't have to be all bad
  Edited by: Kate - Writing & Reading Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

         Greetings! Welcome to this week's edition of the WDC Action & Adventure Newsletter*Smile*

"As there is a use in medicines for poisons, so the world cannot move without rogues."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

"As for an authentic villain, the real thing, the absolute, the artist, one rarely meets him even once in a lifetime. The ordinary bad hat is always in part a decent fellow."
Sidonie Gabrielle Colette


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

Fellow Adventurers ^_^

         I'm sure you're familiar with the 'anti-hero' or flawed protagonist, the morally ambiguous hero for whom the end often justifies the means by which he/she acts to resolve the conflicts encountered during his/her adventure. But what of his/her relative opposite (to some extent), the 'anti-villain.' Consider the Sandman, The Incredible Mr. Ripley, the hapless Frankenstein creature (who a century or so later morphed into a flawed protagonist under Dean Koontz's brilliant pen), the robotic "HAL" of 2001, a Space Odyssey, and perhaps even Norman Bates, who is driven Psycho as a child. As you can see, the 'anti villain' or 'sympathetic antagonist' can be found in various genres including, but not limited to, mystery, horror, science fiction, westerns, manga....

*Bullet*Like the 'anti-hero,' the 'anti-villain' is morally ambiguous*Star*.

         He/she pursues villainous goals, including at times murder, but uses methods or espouses a cause that may be noble. Although both may elicit the sympathy, sometimes empathy, of readers, it is their intentions that differentiate the flawed protagonist and antagonist.

*Bullet*The anti-hero/flawed protagonist pursues a cause that will result in the betterment of society or the good of other(s), although with means outside customary norms or even the law.

*Bullet*The anti-villain's/sympathetic antagonist's actions and goals are 'ruthless' and/or 'evil,' even if they have some good intentions and/or positive qualities.

*Bullet*So it's their ultimate purpose that sets the anti-villains apart from the flawed protagonists.

         Morally ambiguous characters we call anti-villains may also be:
*Bullet* 'accidental villains' who attain their villainous status when their pursuit of noble goals meets with disastrous, unintended consequences;
*Bullet*the 'honorable enemy' who acts in furtherance of what he/she sees as his duty, albeit on the other side as the hero/protagonist of the story; and/or
*Bullet*villains who are charming or act within their own code of honor or sense of fair play.

         The morally ambiguous anti-villain can be personally more noble or heroic than an anti-hero - but use methods or means that are considered immoral or unjust to attain his/her goals. The ambiguous antagonist counterbalances the protagonist ~ keeping the reader just a bit off-guard; forcing the 'protagonist' to prove himself worthy of attaining the quest/goal to the satisfaction of the 'antagonist' and your reader*Thumbsup*.

*Star**Halfstar**Leaf1**Star*


         An anti-villain's appearance in a story adds depth to the struggle of the protagonist; therefore to the adventure itself. Developing the anti-villain's story, his/her reasons and purpose, by necessity would, I think, help the writer define and develop the protagonist. It's like reality - shades of gray make the colors when they appear more vivid; focus attention by engaging the reader's (and writer's) attention and emotions. The reader is shown a reason why the protagonist must attain his intended goal or quest. The morally ambiguous anti-villain, believing his/her goals are ultimately true and right, makes the reader question the goals of the protagonist. The writer is challenged to answer those questions and offer proof that the protagonist's goals have the true merit - create sympathy for the anti-villain, if not necessarily empathy.

         I hope you've enjoyed probing with me the mind of the ambiguous antagonist/anti-villain and, perhaps, consider adding such a perhaps sympathetic, albeit nefarious, presence to a story or poem of yours. An engrossing journey to your 'otherworld' for the reader*Thumbsup*.

         Thank you for welcoming me to your virtual home,

Keep Writing!
Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading Author IconMail Icon


Editor's Picks

Check out the following adventures ~ are the villains totally villainous or ... ~ let the authors know your thoughts if you have a minute

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1650729 by Not Available.


 Transylvania Open in new Window. (13+)
At Transylvania, Van Helsing must face Dracula and his adversaries including his wife.
#1678745 by Cyberwiz Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1088934 by Not Available.


 Empty Endings pt.1 Open in new Window. (E)
A story of love and loss on a rampage for power
#1687727 by Acendence Author IconMail Icon


 Paper Cuts Open in new Window. (13+)
There are no heroes here only silly villains. A nonlinear story for a series I'm creating.
#1618763 by Vick Author IconMail Icon



Now, how about this challenge for crafting some intriguing heroes and villains for your adventure this summer

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1426910 by Not Available.


 
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Word from Writing.Com

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Ask & Answer

I'd like to share a few comments from members in our Community in response to our Newsletter and invite you to engage in each of their writing adventures by visiting with them for some good reads ~

From: PG-13 Author IconMail Icon

         thank you for helping me out :)

Thanks for writing, I'm glad you enjoyed the exploration and look forward to visiting your portfolio for a good read ~ Write On!


From: monty31802

         And quite an adventure you made also some fine points and good picks. Great Newsletter Kate.

Thanks for your constant encouragement ~ glad you enjoyed the exploration and I wish you success with your 'adventures."


From: tyroneg421981

          I Think great stories are not just made, they are
          Born within the author.

A memorable quote ~ and the craft is in its expression


From: LJPC - the tortoise Author IconMail Icon

         Great newsletter, Kate. I think you outlined the most important parts of the best kind of adventure story just right - I know those are things I look for when I read. -- Laura

Thank you for your encouragement. I'm glad you enjoyed the exploration ~ and I take to heart your comment to read as a writer ~ Write On!


Until we next meet, may the stories born from your vision and imagination bear vibrant expression ~
Write On!
Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading Author IconMail Icon

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

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