How to Write a Great Antagonist

Antagonists are people too!

Yes. Yes, they are. But sometimes writing the antagonist is a challenge.

Your antagonist is the second most important character in your novel, so make them interesting!

The reader must hate them and like them at the same time.

To achieve this balance, there are some things to consider when creating your antagonistic character.

Motives

Worthy adversary

Unique perspective

Qualities and vulnerabilities

Backstory

Internal conflicts

Dialogue

Avoid stereotypes

Create complex motives

Give your antagonist believable and compelling reasons for their actions, ones that your readers can understand and relate to.

We no longer enjoy those "evil for the sake of being evil" characters.

Explore their background, experiences, and the desires that led them to become who they are.

Make them a worthy adversary

Your antagonist should pose a significant challenge to your protagonist. They should have strengths, skills, and/or resources that make them formidable.

Antagonists that have things in common with the protagonist work extremely well in establishing sympathy for both characters. Think Harry Potter and Malfoy!

A worthy adversary creates better tension in your novel.

Develop a unique perspective

Provide insight into the antagonist's perspective. Show their worldview, values, and beliefs, warped though they may be.

Giving readers insight into perspective helps readers understand their motivations and adds character depth.

It can also create alternative morals and ethical dilemmas!

Give them redeeming qualities and vulnerabilities

Even the most despicable antagonists, Hannibal Lecter, can have redeeming qualities or vulnerabilities that humanize them. It could be a flicker of empathy, a tragic past, or a personal struggle.

These nuances add complexity and layers to your antagonist.

Get readers to bond and empathize with their past or current struggles.

Show their backstory

Delve into the antagonist's past and reveal key events or experiences that shaped who they are.

Understanding their history helps readers comprehend their actions, even if they don't condone them.

But reveal their backstory gradually to create a sense of intrigue.

Create conflicts within the antagonist

Just like protagonists, antagonists can have internal conflicts and doubts. Reveal the struggles they face within, such as conflicting desires or guilt.

Internal debates or moral conflicts make the character more relatable, despite their antagonistic role.

Utilize dialogue effectively

Make your antagonist's dialogue distinct and memorable. Give them a unique voice that reflects their personality.

Use their conversations with other characters to highlight their intelligence, manipulation, and maybe even charm. Create dialogue that makes your antagonist stand out and leave a lasting impression on your readers.

Personally, I enjoy intelligent sarcastic antagonists, like Moriarty!

Avoid stereotypes

Steer clear of clichéd or stereotypical villains. Instead, create an antagonist who is original.

Challenge readers' expectations and subvert tropes.

You will surprise your readers with unexpected dimensions to your antagonist and keep your readers on their toes.

A great antagonist is more than just a foil for your protagonist. They should be a rounded character with goals and motives that are all their own.

Invest time and thought into developing your antagonist, so you can elevate the conflict and create a more intricate story.

Who’s your favorite antagonist?

Happy writing and revising, lovelies!

Kristin Noland - Speculative Fiction, Crime Fiction, and Romance Editor and Ghostwriter