"Scenes emphasizing the drive toward the antagonist's goal can be used for pacing or to heighten tension. And since the goals and motivations of the adversary must be in direct opposition to those of the hero/heroine, the naturally ensuing confrontations demand action."

Darese Cotton

"Having a worthy adversary makes our heroes/heroines larger than life. A villain, like all characters, must make an invaluable contribution for the story, whether through advancing the action or plot, revealing important points though conversations, or emphasizing motivations and goals. A well-constructed antagonist can provide each of these through defining moments in our hero/heroine's experience."

Darese Cotton

"Villains and Antagonists are tools to be used in your story. Their main purpose is to drive the drama and get the story going. What's the big deal with the opposing factor? They up the ante for both the hero and the heroine."

T.J. Killian (paraphrased)

"No one actually sets out to do evil."

Ben Bova

"How does a villain differ from an antagonist? An antagonist is a general term for the person who opposes the protagonist and villain is a sub-category of antagonists."

Darcy Pattison

Antagonist:
1. One who opposes and contends against another; an adversary.
2. The principal character in opposition to the protagonist or hero of a narrative or drama.

Thesaurus Synonyms:
* adversary
* agonist
* dueler
* duelist
* dueller
* duellist
* enemy
* foe
* foeman
* opponent
* opposer
* opposition
* resister
* withstander

Heads up: Villains/Antagonists

This week's Craft topic is Villains/Antagonists. Look for "Villains/Antagonists" posts on Wednesday.

Female Villain Archetypes [more info]

THE BITCH

abusive, autocrat, lies, cheats, steals, success-oriented, self-involved, doesn't care about anyone but herself


THE BLACK WIDOW

beguiling siren, luring, takes what wants, seductive, charming, liar


THE BACKSTABBER

two-faced friend, dupes others, exploits secrets, betraying


THE LUNATIC

unbalanced madwoman, unfathomable, illogical


THE PARASITE

poisonous, desires security, sees self as victim, blames others, merciless


THE SCHEMER

lethal plotter, plays with others, elaborate plans, traps others


THE FANATIC

uncompromising extremist, does wrong in the name of good, ends justify means, if you're not with me you're against me


THE MATRIARCH

motherly opressor, smothering, controlling, knows what's best, enabler

Male Villain Archetypes [more info]

THE TYRANT

bullying despot, power-hungry, ruthless, conquering, crushing, powerful, people are pawns, destroyer


THE BASTARD

dispossessed, resentful, hurtful, provoking, rebellious, boyish, hateful


THE DEVIL

charming fiend, judging, charismatic, destructive, cajoling, exploits weakness, tempting


THE TRAITOR

double agent, betraying, untrustworthy, two-faced, plotting


THE OUTCAST

lonely, outsider, wants to belong, tortured, unforgiving, willing to sacrifice others


THE EVIL GENIUS

malevolent mastermind, show-off, superior intelligence, contemptful, enjoys elaborate puzzles, pulls people's strings


THE SADIST

savage predator, cruel, violent, brutal, psychological torture is fun


THE TERRORIST

dark knight, warped code of honor, self-righteous, believes in own virtue, judging, ends justify means, amoral