Writing Prompt: That Antagonizing Force
2/4 April Course: Story Core — The Bad Guy
This week, we focus on: The Bad Guy or Thing
The antagonizing force stands in the way of your character achieving their goal. There has to be something or there isn’t much of a story.
Who’s going to pay to watch:
Guy likes a girl. Says “Hi.” They get married. The End.
Please.
We need the struggle, and this must be against a directly opposing force.
This force can be a person, a situation, or even a force of nature.
It’s important that the opposition between your character and the antagonizing force be logical. Think competing goals, fighting for the same prize or person, or world domination vs. salvation.
Like two people coming at the same thing from opposite angles, which makes for more interesting villains. Or love triangles!
Make them a worthy opponent.
Your character’s struggle should be challenging and engaging. The antagonizing force should represent a genuine threat to your character’s success or we just won’t care.
