The O-P post today looks at the Opposition in characters.
A protagonist
needs, absolutely must have the
antagonist in some form to propel the plot, provide the climactic resolution,
and satisfy the reader. Without opposition, life is dull.
 |
| from Wikipedia |
What would Superman
be without Lex Luthor? Gene Hackman
would never have entertained us with his pure villainy.
 |
| Gene Hackman as "Popeye" Doyle in The French Connection |
Where would Batman
be without the pantheon of super-villains?
A one-time movie deal is where he’d be.
No Christian Bale, for sure.
 |
| Christian Bale as Batman |
Opposition
brings out the worst and the best in the character. It challenges the character to plumb the
depths of his soul and make choices for good or evil. The conflict between carnal and heavenly aspirations
keeps the reader/viewer from dumping the book/movie and channel surf.
Tomorrow, opposition transforms a classic
book/movie, making far more enjoyable (in my opinion).
