Antagonist as Guardian

Come here to ask questions or give advice about the theory that forms the basis of Dramatica.
zarathustra77

Antagonist as Guardian

Postby zarathustra77 » Jan 24, 2011 11:31 pm

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.

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phillybudd
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Re: Antagonist as Guardian

Postby phillybudd » Jan 25, 2011 2:15 am

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.

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Clint541963
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Re: Antagonist as Guardian

Postby Clint541963 » Jan 25, 2011 3:36 pm

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
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Chris Huntley
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Re: Antagonist as Guardian

Postby Chris Huntley » Jan 26, 2011 10:57 am

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!
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zarathustra77

Re: Antagonist as Guardian

Postby zarathustra77 » Jan 27, 2011 1:23 am

Thanks for all your comments.

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Leonides02
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Re: Antagonist as Guardian

Postby Leonides02 » Feb 03, 2011 10:44 pm

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!


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