: Re: How could a paragon character be an antagonist? I want to write a story featuring two main characters--Al and Bob. In the beginning, Al, the paragon, will be a kind, friendly, competent and

@Mendez196

Vote Up Vote Down

Real people aren't lists of attributes on a piece of paper. They experience life, they learn lessons, they lose things they value, and they change as a result.

My suggestion is to put Al through a series of trials. He gains power because he has good intentions and everyone trusts him. Once in power, though, he gets into trouble. A crisis occurs, something that couldn't be foreseen, but for which Al is blamed. He gets bad information (or is deliberately misled) and makes a bad decision. He gets overwhelmed by details. He makes enemies, simply because he can't please everyone. He gets tired and makes mistakes. Someone he loves/respects dies because of an order he gives. A powerful person tries to corrupt Al by tempting him with women or drugs, and he accepts.

There's no one point where you can say, "Al chose to become evil," because it's a process. You don't know how you'll perform in a situation until you're in it. Most don't break bad, they keep bending until they have no other choices left.

Meanwhile, Bob hasn't had to undergo all this pressure. He can make decisions based on the facts and ignore the political considerations. Al gradually drifts away from him. Bob may try to maintain their friendship, but eventually Al pushes him away. Bob becomes the hero, not from virtue but from necessity.

(0)

Login to post a comment!