Deciding Protagonist and Antagonist: An Author’s Perspective

As an author, one of the primary responsibilities is deciding who the protagonist and antagonist will be in a given story. This choice often determines the narrative's direction and outcome. However, sometimes it can be challenging to maintain this focus, and secondary characters or antagonists can become more captivating to the audience. In this article, we explore the dynamic between these roles, the challenges faced by authors, and how to address them.

The Load of Decision-Making

When you are the author, you hold the power to decide everything. You create the characters, plot, and overall narrative framework. However, readers' perspectives can sometimes shift, making secondary characters or antagonists appear more interesting and gaining more attention. For instance, in the case of Paradise Lost, readers often find themselves rooting for Satan over Adam and Eve, even though John Milton intended to focus on Adam and Eve as the protagonists.

Finding Balance at the Beta Stage

During the beta reading stage, it is crucial to identify if a secondary or antagonistic character is overshadowing the protagonist. At this point, you have the opportunity to adjust the focus, reinforcing the intended protagonist or even pivoting the story to explore a different perspective. If you remain unsure about the central focus, you might consider rewriting to center on a character you were initially planning as the antagonist. This reflection can lead to a richer, more engaging narrative.

Establishing a Focused Process

If you are starting from scratch, a structured process is essential. Here are the key elements to consider:

Exploring Character Intentions and Roles

Develop a set of new words or variables that define your writing intentions. For example, in your story, you might introduce a virtual scene, such as a character meeting, which sets the stage for your narrative. Introduce characters as conduits for storytelling and as a way to establish the platform needed for your writing.

Building a Skeletal Outline

Build a skeletal outline based on your ideas, focusing on the character roles and the logical sequence of your narrative. This outline will play a critical role in shaping your story's direction and maintaining a coherent structure. For instance, you might start with an initial draft, which you will refine and build upon.

Engaging the Reader with Emotion and Creativity

Ensure that your introduction is not just obvious but captivating. Use an emotional, style-based approach to create a virtual level of creativity. This will engage your readers from the start and keep them invested in your narrative.

Leveraging Writing Rules for Story Expansion

The storyline is established, built, and expanded using relevant writing rules. The structure, including the order of sentences and the flow of paragraphs, should reflect your narrative's intended direction. The roles of characters should evolve naturally, guiding the story's progression. By adhering to these principles, you can create a compelling and coherent narrative.

Conclusion

Deciding on the protagonist and antagonist is a crucial aspect of storytelling. Authors have the power to shape their narratives, but they must also be mindful of readers' perceptions. By maintaining clear focus and leveraging a structured approach to writing, authors can ensure that their stories are engaging and well-received.