Comments on: Black Swan–Inner & Outer Demons

By: Kyla

Kyla — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:32:50 +0000

Interesting. I wouldn’t have thought of that. I’m not very interested in writing a psychological thriller anyway, but it’s a very fascinating concept. Makes me think of a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde kind of problem.

Anyway, thanks for the great article. Have a great day, and happy writing!

By: Mind Sieve 5/9/11 « Gloria Oliver

Mind Sieve 5/9/11 « Gloria Oliver — Mon, 09 May 2011 11:05:15 +0000

[…] Lamb walks us through How To Show A Character’s Inner Demons. I’m like really partial to this one as she uses Black Swan as an example. (Loved this […]

By: Naomi Bulger

Naomi Bulger — Mon, 09 May 2011 07:58:37 +0000

Thank you Kristen, this is fascinating, and a concept I’d not really thought through before. Right now I’m working on a novel in which the main character is his own worst enemy. He believes he is surrounded and beset by enemies and, like Nina, this brings out a dark side of his nature that threatens to destroy him (and others). But until now, I had been working so hard at making my antihero sympathetic that I didn’t realise I was backing myself into a place where my villain and victim were one and the same. Then I read this post. TA DA! Lightbulb switch! I need a proxy! Thank you for helping me get out of a dull cycle and back on a fast-moving, forward-looking track!

By: Make Your Antagonist a Force for Good | Jami Gold, Paranormal Author

Make Your Antagonist a Force for Good | Jami Gold, Paranormal Author — Thu, 05 May 2011 14:19:47 +0000

[…] has been running a fantastic series on antagonists (Part One, Part Two, Villains, Balancing Evil, Inner and Outer Demons). She shares more gems than I can capture here, so definitely check out her […]

By: Marilag Lubag

Marilag Lubag — Wed, 04 May 2011 09:28:33 +0000

Now I’m curious about the movie. Before, I’m just familiar with the title. Now, the little snippet makes me think about actually watching it.

This somehow answers my question of being my own worst enemy. Somehow, I like the idea that the person I’m facing in the mirror is my own villain (but not the twirling mustache kind).

By: Maery

Maery — Tue, 03 May 2011 02:13:00 +0000

Black Swan was one of those movies that I didn’t know what I thought about it. You raised a few points I hadn’t thought of. I do think it’s a movie that is worth watching more than once to catch all the subtle messages, but I’m not sure that would make for a good book. Regardless, some good thoughts on the elements of story.

By: Tanya Ruckstuhl-Valenti

Tanya Ruckstuhl-Valenti — Tue, 03 May 2011 00:23:34 +0000

Story structure aside, I hated the close up of all the self-inflicted wounds in this movie. I get that the director was trying to keep our interest but found it rather like lighting a candle with a blow torch.
I loved your explanation of protagonist/antagonist as a driver for the story and the evolution of the main character. Thank you.

By: Author Kristen Lamb

Author Kristen Lamb — Tue, 03 May 2011 00:12:31 +0000

In reply to Irene Vernardis. You need to see the movie. She literally IS her own antagonist. It is a psychological thriller and there is a very good reason that this movie has won so many awards. There are many bad things happening that seem to be Lily, but all is not what it seems. It's a great flick. I hope you check it out :D.

By: Jodi

Jodi — Tue, 03 May 2011 00:06:42 +0000

I think there is so much we as fiction writers can learn from well-written movies. Your post was a great example of that – extremely insightful and practical. Thanks! Off to rent Black Swan now …

By: Irene Vernardis

Irene Vernardis — Mon, 02 May 2011 23:27:29 +0000

In reply to Author Kristen Lamb.

“The antagonist is whoever stands in the way of the protagonist’s goal.” Right.

“she is rigid and perfectionistic” – these are inner conflicts, not enough to define antagonism. It would mean that every time there are inner conflicts, it would make one’s self an antagonist in a story.

“must be more carefree and primal.” > that’s the resolution to the inner conflicts above, if she wants to dance the role.

Nina’s self regarding the dancing of the black swan role and her inner struggle, are not clear enough to define antagonism with one’s self.
She might actually antagonize only Lily over the second role and not herself.

So it’s not a clear depiction of a self-antagonist.