Building a Strong Antagonist

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All stories need conflict. And your antagonist is here to test the strength and willpower of your protagonist. Without strong opposition, your story will fall flat.
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#Screenwriting #Protagonist #Storytelling

[@TylerMowery]

Get Practical Tools to Write Your Great Screenplay: www.practicalscreenwriting.com

[@silverback7348]

Dang it, TM…now I need to see Paddingtom Bear vs Thanos.

[@marcusyee2211]

Don't underestimate Paddington Bear, his kindness and wholesomeness is what makes him powerful... TOO powerful 👀

[@user-ed9si1he5p]

Thanos would intentionally keep him alive, for a better world

[@samuelbrock]

I would LOVE to see a movie of Paddington vs Thanos! The philosophical conflict between determined idealism and warped pragmatism would be so interesting

[@connorodum6710]

He’s literally voiced by the president of Ukraine

[@OutstandingScreenplays]

The more successful the villain, the more successful the picture. - Alfred Hitchcock

[@bibhuranjandutta470]

Yes sir

[@mjolninja9358]

America

[@donkey8600]

True 👍

[@OutstandingScreenplays]

@@donkey8600 👌

[@plisskenetic]

Usually without the 'villain' there's no story lol

[@lawren100]

"Without real philosophical beliefs" When I was about 4 or 5, a woman pulled me from a hallway in my school and started dragging me toward the door. Somehow, I managed to scream, and she dropped me. I ran into the library and waited by my teacher, too scared to say anything. The woman came back, stuck her face in the slim door widow, and smiled and waved. THAT is a person who is just evil. A person who delights in causing pain, probably just because. I think desires are more important than philosophical beliefs. Philosophical beliefs are often just retroacted desires.

[@starchaser777]

that must have been terrifying. i hope this woman suffers worse than that.

[@jonahnolastnameneeded3130]

Yes. Often times people use philosophy, politics, etc. to justify their own dark desires.

[@lynnhollie]

That’s horrifying

[@raymoshav-bloodbought]

There truly is evil in this world.

[@syedarizvi7290]

Hey, so sorry you had to go through that.

[@ThatCircusShow]

“Beliefs do not matter unless they are tested”

[@User-xh5zu]

صدق

[@Leto85]

0:58 'A mistake I see many writers make is that they totally agreed with what their protagonist believes.' Exactly that. The moment you as the writer place yourself in the shoes of any character (protagonist, antagonist, or whoever else) that character's truth becomes the writer's truth for as long as he stays in that character's head. Why else would the character act as they do if they don't believe in their own truth?

[@syedarizvi7290]

I respectfully disagree. Most authors want to show good to triumph over evil and that is a good message to give. Of course they would subscribe to that. I know that evil can definitely win in the real world but fiction is supposed to be an escape, right? I also respect your opinion though, so I hope you don't mind

[@Leto85]

@@syedarizvi7290 I don't mind at all. How do you disagreed? I see nothing in your text that differ from my opinion.

[@syedarizvi7290]

@@Leto85 Oh I'm sorry, it seems I misunderstood you. So I thought that when you were talking about basically getting into a character's headspace, the way they think, you start to agree with them and the person in the video seems to say that the villain should have his own version of truth and he should be right in some capacity. I thought you said the same thing, sorry. So I was trying to say that, even though this concept can make an amazing villain, I just think that a lot of people in the audience and I'm sure you've seen in as well, start to love the villain and admire him. Even though I know of course it's all fiction and not real but I feel like more and more REAL people start spewing weird nonsense in day to day life, like the fiction went into their heads and use that villain as a role model. In my opinion it shouldn't happen. What do you think? Sorry again for misunderstanding you at first

[@Leto85]

@@syedarizvi7290If you ask what I think about these type of villains then I can say that I see a common pattern that makes us as the audience like them: they have humor. And they don't cross boundaries that we in real life find abhorrent. None of them I see raping children or kicking pets, and as long as I don't see that happening I have an easier time appreciating the villain's sense of humor. Either they kill inconsequential characters, or Whst they kill seemed justified somehow, such as the bullies who were killed by Arthur in The Joker. Or how Harley Quinn had killed a man who had sexually aharrased her and she fed him to her hygiena pet. We don't see the brutal murder, but it still feels justified since this man was not innocent. This is what we as the audience make like the villian. Did this answer your question?

[@syedarizvi7290]

@@Leto85 The thing is, I also like villains that have a good sense of humor, they have charisma that make them likeable just like any other character, say, the hero. That's fine, I love Sukuna from Jujutsu Kaisen even though he's like pure evil (he was funny and powerful but obviously I only like him because he's not real). Though I could never ever justify his actions, same as I could never justify the bad actions I see the typical good guys make sometimes. As for Arthur, I think it was self-defense, I think if he didn't kill them, they would have killed him. As for crimes against women, the criminals should be punished severely like any other criminal like kidnapping, stealing etc. Crimes like that leave the victims scarred for life and severe depression. So yeah I agree that all this makes sense but sometimes you might see villains kill people for as little as insulting them and people in the crowd say stuff like; "serves them right!". Mind you, again I have not forgotten this is all fictional and not real so I try not to think about it so much. But honestly, evil characters or even rude good guys are the types of characters I honestly just hate to see. That's just my opinion however and please know that I wouldn't guilt trip someone for liking a certain evil character, to each their own. Sorry for the long rant! Thank you so much for chatting with me! Is there anyone else you wanna talk about?

[@lubanzi_official]

And when his community needed him the most... he delivered. You're videos are really helpful Tyler. Keep it up🖒

[@fridaymovies2924]

Well nice going Tyler- now I won’t know peace until I see Paddington square off against Thanos on the big screen 😤

[@joshuashakir2772]

I mostly don't listen to many people when they talk about writing cuz it's clear they don't know much, but this was so impactful. You gave me more info then just write antagonists, this is so helpful, thank you

[@andresgordillovaldez4779]

Could there be a case where the antagonist helps the protagonist achieve his goal but at the same time challenges his believes?

[@deadlylaughterproductions]

Of course, that’s what I’m writing right now actually. It’s tricky, but it’s been seen before like in The Silence of the Lambs with Hannibal Lector and Clarice Starling.

[@daredevil6145]

Uh-huh *Black Panther* where he lets go of his beliefs and implements villains idea, just "protagonistic" way - if that's the word.

[@notverypog]

I'm currently writing something similar to that; but after I watched this video and this particular concept was never once mentioned; I'm kind of feeling demotivated right now. :(

[@Ashley-yj3oy]

That’s exactly what I am planning to write! I think this is a brilliant idea, and I need to put more effort to achieve a successful story

[@samrooney2958]

I think that would be young magneto in days of future past

[@flor3224]

Interesting video. I like the idea of an antagonist changing as well as the protagonist. This does not necessarily mean an atonement arc. It would be interesting to see more about how character arcs in antagonists can be developed.

[@grusalfilms4005]

Evil people aren't the exception for the rule........they are the rule

[@waltermanson999]

Awesome work ! Thank you for helping everyone tell their stories !

[@dariushcreates]

Somewhere a screenwriter is going to watch this and think, "Right, I'm gonna pit Paddington against Thanos in my movie!"

[@jakubrejak1114]

I wonder what kind of a sacrifice can a protagonist make aside from losing those that are close to him?

[@benjaminread5287]

Losing themselves. That's what Katniss in the Hunger Games sacrifices, her freedom to choose who she loves is another she gives up.

[@jakubrejak1114]

@@benjaminread5287 Nice. Any other examples of a possible sacrifice?

[@benjaminread5287]

@@jakubrejak1114 I don't think it's that hard to come up with them. You should make a list of everything a character could lose. Some things may be more dear to certain characters than others, they could sacrifice their job, reputation, just about anything. But if your talking about a sacrifice in order to develop as a character then the sacrifice will usually be dictated by the character's flaw.

[@8ballstreet]

look at the stakes that the character faces should they not achieve what their goal or want. death is but one type of sacrifice. there are also professional stakes, identity stakes, and many others.

[@camowyvern3836]

Sacrifice ones beliefs, a hero who does not kill, breaking their code to save others, damning themselves.

[@jojothebard6687]

“You can’t pit Paddington Bear and Thanos. That makes no sense.” Well reality can be whatever I want. Thanos: “I am inevitable.” *snaps fingers, nothing happens.* Paddington: “And I...want....marmalade.” *snaps fingers and creates an infinite supply of marmalade.*

[@AntonWongVideo]

RIGHT?!?! Someone make it happen!

[@Ayosubzero]

I would pay to see that. Watching Paddington save the galaxy by showing Thanos how to be kind and caring is worth the price of admission.

[@courtneym3162]

I'm in the process of writing a book and this was so helpful. My biggest issue with constructing a plot was creating a good enough antagonist but this helps me understand what makes a great antagonist!

[@madoxjalowiec5148]

The antagonist does not always need to have the opposite goal of the protagonist as they could both be striving for the same thing, like a competition

[@stocks4bt]

That's true. They just go about it in different ways

[@jayveeruzforce2322]

Like Luffy and Blackbeard

[@patricknelson3692]

If anything, an antagonist can change overtime during a series. Sharing a common enemy or starting to believe in other’s beliefs.

[@philvideofilm]

This is excellent food for thought the first feature-length I am developing. Thanks!

[@donnellboykin3779]

Great video I'm definitely getting that book on dramatic writing. I want to make my stories the best of my abilities as a beginning writer

[@Hiddenphantom9999]

Paddinton vs. Thanos is something I never knew I wanted until now

[@Suleimanfilmaker]

Yo man I’m actually working on a script it’s a mystery detective thriller and surprisingly and I actually followed this

[@olivierparent3554]

Can youtubers stop talking about nolan's joker. As soon as there's a video about antagonist it's the first one they pick. It's becoming a little bit over the top. Otherwise, great video I enjoyed it a lot.

[@Speculaas]

It's hard not to. He's one of the most celebrated antagonists in film history.

[@johndegroot3124]

the visuals of the joker in the films make that character particularly dramatic for a youtube video

[@faithfm1]

We've all seen it so it's a good example in that regard

[@jacksont9455]

I think it’s because he’s an example of an antagonist that has a very clear and simple symbolic opposition to the protagonist that most people have seen.

[@m-hellothere4167]

These videos have been very beneficial. Thank you for your time and efforts. May God bless you all

[@moreshadowtx1850]

Thank you for this cause recently I am coming up on playing andtag this rolling something and this is helping a lot.

[@jayfolk]

Now i want to see paddington bear, the bear without a bad bone in his body and can change anyone for the better, Vs Thanos, Murderer of Trillions. And all they do talk to one another.

[@joedirectorchannel]

There is an error of caption at min 4:46 when you explain about the antagonist of the dark knight but the caption is referring to Snowpiercer.

[@rohitbhardwaj5932]

wilford is seeing the bigger picture and accepts the sacrifice made. by the time the hero reaches the head of the train, he sees the sacrifice justified for his goal, not much different from the villain. but the irony hits in when the train collapse.

[@Zc_films_il]

You my friend, have just earned yourself a subscriber

[@amazingbro6723]

Yay :D I knew you would do one :)

[@ElementryLennon]

Your body of work speaks for itself

[@voidarzegon3083]

hey so i'm working on a comic atm and i was haveing a sht time creating the antagonist, the story around them and make them interesting so this video helped a lot mate so thank you ^^ damn good vid 11/10 ;3 i'm gonna sub for more amazing help like this ^^

[@alexcoyg3281]

Anton Chigurh is the best antagonist

[@Joker-sy4xr]

Fantastic video as always 👍

[@TheFilmmakersWorkshop]

Great advice Tyler

[@audioengineeringtips]

grate thank's nice information using it in an animation short

[@ng_jr0096]

Where can I watch one of your films?👀 You would make some awesome movies bro

[@CanalPolakasobalsa]

Thank you

[@grotosmotothecosmicplaytpus]

I haven't watched the video so I don't know if you mentioned it. but in my opinion the best way to write a villian. 1 is by making him the opposite of the protagonist but have one connection to bridge the line. 2 make then change the scene I find you want your villans very precense change the previous scene that is sorta the formula for the joker, the lich and other great villians but really all villans are diffrent

[@bergman6251]

It was great. Please upload more videos about antagonist.

[@Ben10man2]

Ngl Padding v Thanos would be a banger

[@loosingmymemory7]

That is why I always laugh at movies that abandon this structure and just do something fun in the end, like my antagonist, my agonist, and my protagonist, develop a plot and completely thwart your expectations.

[@codythedoggo7671]

These videos are great

[@ben-eq1cx]

0:03 OMG Tyler Mowery watches The Flash!!!! LOL, the show on track now LETS GOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

[@tyemcivor1194]

Paddington would absolutely dismantle Thanos

[@RainbowJackals]

It would appear us antagonists are looking for some inspiration from other antagonists, eh?

[@jaredsouders2614]

Can I get your opinion on something? I was considering making an antagonist in a story having roughly the same beliefs as the protagonist. and having it be more like the protagonist learns from how far the other goes and realizes it’s wrong. Would you consider that a good way to challenge the protagonist’s beliefs? They both kinda want the same things in slightly different ways. But he realizes what he needs isn’t that through what they go through and how it effects everyone.

[@JonAddisonFilms]

What about antagonists that believe the same thing as protagonists but just are 'further down the line' of that thought. For example, both John Doe and Detective Sommerset in Se7en are disgusted by the apathy of the world they live in (but John Doe is a step too far).

[@IrondragonGamingYouTubeChannel]

Tyler thanks for your videos! I'm working on a novel and a lot of your videos relate to writing my book. I do have a question that you kind of touched on at the end of the video. My protagonist doesn't have an antagonist. Not even nature. Because of my characters personality conflict isn't an issue. So how do I ensure I have a strong story without an antagonist

[@starchaser777]

i think you should make the protagonist conflict be themselves. those types of stories are kinda interesting tho

[@Ayosubzero]

Great video.

[@craiglofton7219]

Freaking loved it

[@tusharsharma904]

Every work on this video seems true. 🙂

[@ericocypriani2308]

i am a simple man, i see a video essey with the joker on the thumbnail and i click

[@Carlos-to9yt]

Can you have multiple antagonists in a story?

[@JadenHercules]

Remember; a story doesn't have to have a protagonist for a story to exist. I think it always depends on the tale that you're working on.

[@Author_SoftwareDesigner]

Can you provide an example of this?

[@Nitrooncrack]

This is why I love Metal Sonic from Sonic the hedgehog. Sonic has always been nature and freedom, but Metal Sonic was created by Eggman to have the exact OPPOSITE beliefs. Forcing the two to clash.

[@MicWellz]

paddington would give thanos the HANDS

[@r.a.mproductions]

Does an antagonist have a need a realisation?

[@yousseftalal4520]

Can you do a video about great action

[@Vijaykumar-uq5sc]

Plz make a video on how to write a great suspense 🙏 plzz

[@wiledman2430]

How do i make my protagonist his own antagonist?

[@cjkalandek996]

Hey. Have you made a video on how to write a screenplay that has more than one subplot that doesn't feel disjointed? Because I know there are films out there that have done so and are coherent, such as _Spider-Man 2_ and _Avengers: Infinity War._ But say _Iron Man 2._ While it's not the worst MCU movie out there, it does suffer from a dozen subplots, in which only 3 of them are relevant to the overall story and only one of them has the closest thing to an emotional payoff. A video on that would be nice.

[@haynesrobert2830]

Congrads

[@lamar7of9]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@spyrax370]

"With the death of Rachel, Batman lost the most important person in his life" Oh please, she was just a plot device. Alfred would mean more to him than her, imo. 😒

[@rohang8246]

Joker in Thumbnail!!!!!!!!

[@ng_jr0096]

I have started my own film. I am writing the script now. Thank you for helping me. Love your vids. I got the inspiration for it from the Among Us game👀🙂

[@noonebossesthegarnet2890]

What is it about?

[@Speed202]

HA....of course you would pit Paadington Bear against Thanos. Have you seen Paddies shoulders?....he's friends with everyone?.....Thanos ain't for nothing on him without that shiny, brass glove...

[@benjamingentile1660]

Paddington would whop Thanos’ ass

[@briansalazar7397]

Globalist programs amaze the senses over& overrrrrrrrr again 🤔😉🎾

[@laughingdogges]

7

[@MrSatan-ji8kj]

Forget berlin??

[@RicklessSanchez]

Let me understand this. Of course protagonist have the checkmate how ending story goes. What if protagonist don't? Than antagonist take checkmate with no happy ending. Learn from wisdom rather fictional story or non-fictional story.

[@Metroum]

I know many people tell you that you look like Grant Guston lol

[@deadlylaughterproductions]

What if you had two protagonists who act as antagonists to each other, but have a greater antagonist to overcome?

[@alvinshinson6882]

So a bit like daredevil and the punisher who both aim to fight crime for different reasons and methods which conflict with each other but at the end joining together to fight another antagonist (the Irish gang and the Hand)

[@Joker-sy4xr]

I wouldn’t normally say “first “ But this is my first time being first so FIRST

[@Hamzah-Rafeeq]

so early there aren't even dislikes yet.

[@TheBermudaMan]

You can also have the exact opposite problem, where the writer agrees TOO MUCH with the antagonist. I feel The Last Jedi suffered overall as a movie because the director attempted to project moral grey areas onto a fictional narrative that's ALL ABOUT moral absolutes. The rebels are the good guys, the Empire the bad guys. It's as simple and straightforward as that. This isn't War and Peace, it's Flash Gordon.

[@samerm8657]

Im gonna hit the like, but you didn't tell us to comment, so I won't.

[@anumberninelarge1391]

The joker proved to Batman that no matter what you do next.. the outcome is ALWAYS the same. YOU MISSED THE POINT BECAUSE HE WAS RIGHT. Batman DIDNT win…. And that’s the point.

[@bluepterosaur]

:3

[@guebligueddim2198]

Second

[@forfunely1240]

FIRST

[@blackfang3000]

Just go for the Nazis.

[@anumberninelarge1391]

THE DARK KNIGHT EXPLAINS THE DICHOTOMY BETWEEN A MAN AND A WOMAN.. how does no one else see this?

[@anumberninelarge1391]

Everybody seems to miss the point of The Dark Knight.. even those who think understand it.. really really don’t. Including you man and I feel bad for you:(

[@bloodmooncomix457]

6:06 These clips are masterful teaching tools! 😚🤌