In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire explores one of the main character-development problems writers face: What if I don't know my antagonist?
Claire breaks down the true purpose of an antagonist and, using the Enneagram, shows how understanding your protagonist can help you identify the kind of antagonist who will create the most compelling conflict.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn
What an antagonist's actual job is in a story
Why your antagonist doesn't have to be a villain
How the clash between protagonist and antagonist creates narrative energy
Why you need to understand your protagonist before choosing an antagonist
How the Enneagram can help you identify the right antagonist for your story
How a character's core fears can reveal the conflict they most need to face
How different Enneagram types interact and trigger one another
When using the same Enneagram type for protagonist and antagonist can work
Why certain character pairings may struggle to create the conflict required by specific tropes
The three possible outcomes of protagonist-antagonist conflict: defeat, overcoming, and integration
How to use your antagonist to push your protagonist toward growth
Questions to ask when you're stuck trying to figure out who your antagonist should be
Resources Mentioned
Write Iconic Relationships Kickstarter
Claire's upcoming book explores the dynamics between different Enneagram types and how those relationships can be used to create compelling enemies, friendships, romances, and more. The Kickstarter launches August 25 and runs through September 10.https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ffsmedia/write-iconic-relationships
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