What if I don't know my antagonist?

Episode Description

In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire explores one of the main character-development problems writers face: What if I don't know my antagonist?

Claire breaks down the true purpose of an antagonist and, using the Enneagram, shows how understanding your protagonist can help you identify the kind of antagonist who will create the most compelling conflict.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• What an antagonist's actual job is in a story
• Why your antagonist doesn't have to be a villain
• How the clash between protagonist and antagonist creates narrative energy
• Why you need to understand your protagonist before choosing an antagonist
• How the Enneagram can help you identify the right antagonist for your story
• How a character's core fears can reveal the conflict they most need to face
• How different Enneagram types interact and trigger one another
• When using the same Enneagram type for protagonist and antagonist can work
• Why certain character pairings may struggle to create the conflict required by specific tropes
• The three possible outcomes of protagonist-antagonist conflict: defeat, overcoming, and integration
• How to use your antagonist to push your protagonist toward growth
• Questions to ask when you're stuck trying to figure out who your antagonist should be

Resources Mentioned

• Write Iconic Relationships Kickstarter
  Claire's upcoming book explores the dynamics between different Enneagram types and how those relationships can be used to create compelling enemies, friendships, romances, and more. The Kickstarter launches August 25 and runs through September 10.https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ffsmedia/write-iconic-relationships
• Write Iconic Characters
  books2read.com/WIC
• Liberated Writer (Coaching & Courses)
  liberatedwriter.com
• Liberated Writer Substack
  liberatedwriter.substack.com

Support the Show

If this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast:

• Leave a review on your favorite platform - it helps other authors find the show.

• Share this episode with an author who’s navigating similar challenges.

• Subscribe to Claire’s Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life.

Happy writing!