Mystery: March 02, 2016 Issue [#7514] |
Mystery
This week: Antagonist Edited by: Gaby More Newsletters By This Editor
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
Evil is relative - and what I mean by that is that our villains are as complex, as deep and as compelling as any of our heroes. Every antagonist in the DC Universe has a unique darkness, desire and drive. And the reason for being of 'Forever Evil' is to explore that darkness.
~ Geoff Johns |
ASIN: B07B63CTKX |
Product Type: Kindle Store
|
Amazon's Price: $ 6.99
|
|
We know that the good guy wins. Readers care about the good guy. How about that bad guy though? What's his deal?
Our writing contains everything a mix of different genres. What it doesn't contain much of is the actual antagonist. Whenever you read a book, you see the bad guy, get to know what makes him tick and the reasons why, but there isn't very much of him we truly get to know. Antagonists have cold hard, no feelings, are rather selfish, and so many other negative things. It's what makes them the bad guy.
Humans are more complex than that. It's not a black and white picture, it's fifty shades of grey, no pun intended. We are difficult creatures who can't be defined by a few words. At times, some are more shallow than others, but we all start with a good heart. At least I like to think so.
What changes in us to make us bad? In order to write about an antagonist, you have to look at life. It's unavoidable. Our past shapes us. Same with the bad guy. Alas, we don't care to know all about that character. We seem perfectly fine knowing the basic essentials which will portrait a picture for us of the bad type and we are programmed to dislike this character. What if it weren't so easy?
It's a choice and type of writing we do when we describe our antagonist. What would happen if we delved deeper into his psyche? Would only doom await us or could there possibly be more to such a character? How would it affect your story?
It wouldn't be easy getting to know your antagonist as well as your protagonist. We lean toward the good and in our writing, good stands out no matter how much bad a character deals with. What would be the outcome if we knew a lot about both? Would the outcome be the same?
I'm curious.
'til next time!
~ Gaby |
| | Invalid Item This item number is not valid. #2076908 by Not Available. |
| | Invalid Item This item number is not valid. #2076567 by Not Available. |
| | Invalid Item This item number is not valid. #2075175 by Not Available. |
|
Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter! https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
Don't forget to support our sponsor!
ASIN: B07N36MHWD |
Product Type: Kindle Store
|
Amazon's Price: $ 7.99
|
|
From my previous Newsletter:
Joto-Kai wrote:
It's entirely possible to experience having a perfect manuscript — but nobody else will every appreciate it.
At my rate, 1000 years wouldn't be enough to finish a draft! Although, pantsing along, I skipped ahead past the conclusion! In my desire to ramp up tension and wrap up the mysteries, I started writing the opening bits of the next plot. The first one is about my rogue secret agent on the run, incidentally bringing down an insane regime as he struggles to get back off world. The second one is about when he realizes that his only two 'friends' are mortal enemies, and can manipulate his sense of reality at will. So, the two books in the series aren't even the same subgenre... gasp, groan, woe is me.
If they take off, I'm sure I can deepen the first and lighten up the second, but first I have to finish one of them! Wish me luck! At least I love the characters.
Writing and getting inspired to do another story is both awesome and terrifying because now there are two unfinished manuscripts. Good luck with both, hon!
|
ASIN: 1542722411 |
|
Amazon's Price: $ 12.99
|
|
To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.
|
This printed copy is for your personal use only. Reproduction
of this work in any other form is not allowed and does violate its copyright. |