On Writing : Writing Process by Anthony McBride

Writing Process

Well, I'm working on another script for the year and just realized that I don't have a clear antagonist. So here I am going through my scene list to figure out what the antagonist wants and what is their "villainy" plan. Arrggghhh!!!

Has any one ever been through this?

What's your writing process?

Langley Coleman

Anthony McBride Oh no! you've got it all backwards! breaking the story is the FUN part, tearing your hair out is supposed to be scheduled for your writing breaks!

In seriousness, usually the antagonist is defined by their either opposite or extreme stance on the theme when compared to your protagonist, as illustrated by your protagonists hubris- hope that helps!

Ashley Renée Smith

Similarly, it can be such a frustrating realization when you suddenly notice the antagonist you do have, isn’t fully realized yet. For me, that’s often a signal that the character needs a little more depth beyond just being the obstacle for the protagonist. The best antagonists tend to feel layered and believably human. They have flaws, of course, but they also have strengths, motivations, and a worldview that makes sense to them. They’re a foil to the protagonist, but they’re also interesting in their own right, and sometimes even relatable.

Anthony McBride

Thanks for this, guys...

Ibrahim AlBalushi

Give me a brief summary of the story, and I'll try to create a character for you.

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