Antagonists are types of characters who oppose the protagonist in some way; however, not all of them are created equal, nor do they all fall under the category of "villain." Here are some possible character attributes for best essay writers online that are frequently connected to true antagonistic behavior.
The classic villain
Stereotypical villains have no redeeming qualities, and this allows you to hate them with ease. At every step of the story, this antagonist is thwarting, fighting, frustrating, or attempting to destroy the protagonist. You are probably familiar with many of the classic Disney movies that project this villainous persona as in the evil stepmother in "Cinderella" or Scar in "The Lion King." Literature has its share as well: Lord Voldemort in the "Harry Potter" series, Bob Ewell in "To Kill a Mockingbird," and Grendel from "Beowulf."
Not necessarily evil
The difference between villains and antagonists seems to be a matter of change. Antagonists are developed in the same or almost the same depth as the protagonists, so you will likely see this character evolve throughout the work. This change does not necessarily mean the character becomes a "good guy" by the end, although this is one possibility. Others include becoming significantly more evil or coming to an understanding.
Macbeth and his wife Lady Macbeth in the play "Macbeth" are both antagonists. Obeying his wife's command, Macbeth murders the king to take the throne. He is initially overwrought with guilt, but slowly becomes a heartless scoundrel and kills more people to maintain his position. Lady Macbeth, in a role reversal, begins greedy and cruel but succumbs to her own guilt by committing suicide.
Snape from "Harry Potter" initially presents himself as the antagonist for the first six books. Harry leads you to believe that Snape is still aligned with Voldemort; Snape's bullying, sarcasm, and relentless hatred for Harry seems to confirm this for you. However, in the end we learn that Snape was in fact working with Dumbledore and protecting Harry from the start, despite his behavior, and did so out of love and loyalty to Harry's deceased mother, with whom he was in love.
Convincing motivations
Well-developed antagonists should have credibility. In other words, the driving force behind these characters' behaviors should be authentic and believable. You will understand—but not necessarily condone—why these antagonists are adamant about their opposition to the protagonist.
Madame Defarge is a ruthless revolutionary in France from the novel "A Tale of Two Cities." Her deep hatred for the aristocracy leads to her determined efforts to exterminate all royalty, members of their blood lines, and anyone opposed to the revolution. Only at the end of the novel do you learn that her sister was raped, her brother-in-law was tortured and died, her father died of a heart attack, and her brother was stabbed, all indirectly or directly by the Evremonde brothers, a pair of aristocrats. You might not condone her murderous actions, especially at this point in the novel, but you will understand the motives behind her rampage.
Real people with real problems
This characteristic is what allows you to make a connection with the antagonist. Most of these characters are just human beings who have just as many or more issues than the average person. However, many antagonists cope with these problems in largely unethical or immoral ways.In "The Handmaid's Tale," Serena Joy, the wife of Commander Fred, resents the role of handmaids in the new society, the Republic of Gilead. Since her husband is one of the few in this society who is assigned a handmaid, Serena Joy must accept that Fred has to try to impregnate the handmaid, with Joy in the room playing an active role. As a woman who is a former gospel singer and remembers life with freedom, she of course is bitter that her husband must have relations with another woman. As a result, Serena puts the handmaid's life in danger by bribing her to have sex with a young chauffer, hoping she will get pregnant by him. A pregnant handmaid means the Commander won't need to have sex with her again.
Justifies their actions
Many antagonists cannot acknowledge that their behavior is wrong. Very often, these characters will explain their behaviors as their right or as necessity. You as the reader will most likely recognize the twisted logic, enabling you to make judgments about the character.Tom Buchanan is an arrogant, wealthy elitist from "The Great Gatsby." He dismisses his multiple, extra-marital affairs by saying "Once in a while I go off on a spree and make a fool of myself, but I always come back, and in my heart I love her all the time." Clearly, he fails to understand the immorality of his actions. In addition, at the end of the novel Tom's lie ultimately leads to Gatsby's murder but feels his actions were appropriate since "That fellow [Gatsby] had it coming to him."
Antagonists may not be as obvious as you think because many surpass the common stereotypes. So the next time you sit down to read a book, pay close
More resources:
Definition and Example of Red Herring
A Job Description Is More Than a Piece of Paper
Following the Five Step Process
And Carry the One- Using Extended Metaphors