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Antagonist as Guardian

Posted: Jan 24, 2011 11:31 pm
by zarathustra77
Is it okay to have the Antagomist playing the Guardian. The Antagonist basically lures the MC in with false promises, encouraging him to behave in a particular way. The IC doesn't trust the atagonist which causes the conflict between the MC and IC. At the end of the story the MC changes and realises that the "Guardian" was in fact the antagonist.

Does this sound like it would work??

Any suggestions/ opinions would be welcomed.

Re: Antagonist as Guardian

Posted: Jan 25, 2011 2:15 am
by phillybudd
Remember that Antagonist and Guardian are different structural roles. I'm currently working on a story that does a very similar thing. What I'm doing is splitting the Guardian and Antagonist characteristics between two characters. This allows me to create some mystery around who is right/wrong.

Re: Antagonist as Guardian

Posted: Jan 25, 2011 3:36 pm
by Clint541963
I remember Chris saying something about not confusing Story forming with Story weaving. I guess the Antagonist would be playing a role. In other words, do the story forming according to what is really happening and the subterfuge will be in the story weaving. I think, also, mixing and matching the characteristics will help achieve what you want.

I am not claiming to be an expert but just putting in my 2 cents
Sam

Re: Antagonist as Guardian

Posted: Jan 26, 2011 10:57 am
by Chris Huntley
You may create complex characters that have elements of an Antagonist and a Guardian. For example, you might have your character represent both Conscience (from a Guardian) and Prevent/Avoid (form an Antagonist). That way, the character tells everyone what they SHOULD be doing, all the while working to stop them from achieving it. FUN!

Re: Antagonist as Guardian

Posted: Jan 27, 2011 1:23 am
by zarathustra77
Thanks for all your comments.

Re: Antagonist as Guardian

Posted: Feb 03, 2011 10:44 pm
by Leonides02
Chris Huntley wrote:You may create complex characters that have elements of an Antagonist and a Guardian. For example, you might have your character represent both Conscience (from a Guardian) and Prevent/Avoid (form an Antagonist). That way, the character tells everyone what they SHOULD be doing, all the while working to stop them from achieving it. FUN!


So this character is an ex-wife, then?

ZING!