For the past several weeks we have been exploring the antagonist, and how he/she/it affects so many aspects of your writing. No antagonist, no story. The antagonist is responsible for the event/agenda that turns the protagonist’s life upside down. The story isn’t over until our protag grows up and becomes a hero, because only heroes …
Tag: conflict
Apr 18 2011
Antagonists–The Alpha and the Omega of the Story
Law Abiding Citizen 2009 For the past month or so, we have been discussing the antagonist, and how vital he/she/it is to the story. I’ve run critique groups for seven years. I also have edited literally hundreds of manuscripts, and one thing that most new writers do not accurately understand is the antagonist. I have …
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Apr 04 2011
Balance the Party—Guide to Creating Legendary Characters
For the past couple of weeks, we have been talking about antagonists, and how vital it is to create an antagonistic force capable of sustaining literary momentum over the course of 60-100,000 words. I worked as freelance editor for almost a decade, and have run critique groups for seven years. I have read literally hundreds …
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Mar 28 2011
Introducing the Villain
All right. We are going to talk some more about the ever misunderstood antagonist today. As a side-note, I am going to actively work to make these posts shorter. I tend to get excited and pee on the rugs when the doorbell rings. Wait, that’s not right. That’s my dog. I’m tired. It’s Monday. Anyway, …
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Mar 21 2011
"He is His Own Worst Enemy…"–Antagonist Part 2
Part of why I am writing this series on the antagonist is that most new writers don’t understand 1.) how vital the antagonist is, 2) how to properly use the antagonist and 3) often cannot spot an antagonist if he were dressed like a Vegas showgirl holding sparklers (okay, maybe that last one was just …
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International Association of Professional Writers & Editors
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