3.1.6 How to Create Characters for the Script - Methods for Setting Antagonists and Companions

Two Types of Antagonists

Now we learn how to set antagonists. First, let’s clarify the concept of an antagonist. Antagonist doesn’t mean they are evil or bad. The word ‘antagonist’ itself means opposition. So, the antagonist is a character who opposes or hinders the protagonist’s goal. There are two types of antagonists: External Antagonist and Internal Antagonist.

External Antagonist

The External Antagonist is the most common type. It’s a character who actively opposes the protagonist, creates obstacles, or tries to prevent the protagonist from achieving their goal. This could be a rival, an enemy, or someone with conflicting interests. The external antagonist provides external conflict and drives the story forward through direct opposition.

Internal Antagonist

The Internal Antagonist is more subtle. It refers to the protagonist’s own internal conflicts, fears, doubts, or limitations that hinder their progress. This could be self-doubt, fear of failure, past trauma, or personal flaws. The internal antagonist creates internal conflict and adds depth to the character development.

Creating Effective Companion Characters

Companion characters serve several important functions in a story. They can provide support, offer different perspectives, create subplots, or serve as foils to the protagonist. When creating companions, consider their relationship dynamics with the protagonist and how they contribute to the overall story arc.

Principles of Character Relationship Dynamics

Character relationships are fundamental to storytelling. Whether it’s the protagonist-antagonist dynamic or the protagonist-companion relationship, these interactions drive the narrative and create emotional engagement. Understanding how to balance these relationships is crucial for creating compelling microdramas.