Ultimate Antagonist

Creating the Ultimate Antagonist

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The Joker is Batman's arch nemesis and probably one of the most recognizable villains in history. He hasn't always been portrayed as an effective antagonist in the story he is in, but in The Dark Knight, the Joker is written to be the ultimate villain to Batman through his goals, his power over Batman, and how he forces Batman to change.

Takeaways

The antagonist must be exceptionally good at attacking the hero's greatest weakness.
The antagonist should change the hero throughout the story to force him to grow.
"Create an opponent who is exceptionally good at attacking the hero's greatest weakness" - John Truby, Anatomy of a Story
"It is only by competing for he same goal that the hero and the opponent are forced to come into direct conflict and to do so again and again throughout the story. This helps distinguish the antagonist and make him the right one for the hero." - John Truby, Anatomy of a Story‍
"A protagonist and his story can only be as intellectually fascinating and emotionally compelling as the forces of antagonism make them." - Robert McKee, Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting

Creating the Ultimate Antagonist

Takeaways

Suggestions

Superdrive your creativity with some free templates and guides!