Workshop
Write a Great Antagonist
$19
Write an antagonist who is a serious threat. Create a three-dimensional villain that is specifically designed to play off the protagonist, advance the plot, and add depth to the story.
Barbara Vance
Instructor
14
lessons
2h
video runtime
2
downloads
Course Description
This workshop will help you craft a three-dimensional antagonist who is a genuine threat.
Writing an antagonist is a great deal of fun, but it is difficult. You want to infuse him with the proper traits that make him a threat specifically to the story you are trying to tell. That means we see the antagonist in light of the protagonist and the plot.
This workshop addresses:
- The difference between villains and antagonists, and why you need both
- Designing antagonists in light of the protagonist and plot.
- How to humanize your antagonist so he is three-dimensional
- How to make your antagonist a genuine threat
- The most common villain archetypes w/examples
- When “good” characters are opposing forces
- How to write a character who is his own worst enemy
- When the antagonist is an external force, not a person
- And more!
This course includes
- Class notes so you can follow along with each video lecture
- A comprehensive workbook for designing your antagonist
- An extensive annotated list of recommended reading/viewing with comments on why they are great
Students have course access for 365 days. All worksheets and notes are downloadable.
What's Inside
This workshop includes extensive class notes so you can follow along with the lectures, a comprehensive workbook to walk you through designing your antagonist, and an annotated list of great antagonists from literature and film with comments on what makes the antagonist of each book/film exemplary.
Course Content
What People Are Saying
“I have a MA in Creative Writing, and I wish I had a course that went this in-depth on characterization! I originally started taking Barbara’s courses as “refreshers”, but I didn’t realize that I would be learning so much new material. So helpful, and it’s such a relief knowing I can go to Barbara’s videos for reliable, action-provoking content. Thanks for sparking my creativity, and for giving me helpful templates that make taking action easier!”
Cian
Student
“This class is fantastic. I love how Barbara gave many reasons why they are the antagonist and different situations. Also, I found the examples extremely helpful. I’m a big fan in general of Barbara’s classes, but this one made it into one of the top three.”
The Greenwoods
Student
“Great class. Barbara explains such a range of antagonising forces not just the most obvious ones. The information is well ordered so it’s inspiring not overwhelming. I find antagonists challenging but Barbara’s steps really help push writers in helpful directions… with concrete steps and a plethora of resources.”
Joy
Student
“English isn’t my first language, but I didn’t have any problem understanding what this wonderful woman is talking about! Man, I just wish that everybody could see you and learn from you. You did a great job and I’m delighted to see your other courses!”
Julia
Student
“Love this course a lot! Villains are sometimes the hardest to write for me, so I found this to be the perfect class to listen to.”
Thomas
Student
“Almost didn’t take this class, but so glad I did! So much useful and unexpected information about an antagonist!”
Faith
Student
“Great class with lots of helpful examples!”
Nicole
Student
“Very much like this course. It gave me a lot to think about. Thanks for putting it together!”
Carney
Student
“Great!”
Sam
Student
Barbara Vance, PhD
I am a writer and instructor who has been blessed to help thousands of writers bring their stories to life.
My degrees include a B.A. in literature, an MA in Literature and Creative Writing, and a PhD in storytelling and media. Prior to launching my own company, I taught writing and storytelling at a tier-one university.
Over the past sixteen years I have developed a widely acclaimed collection of courses designed to help writers develop their stories, stay on track, and finish what they start . . . even while juggling busy careers and a family.
I am also the author of a multi-award-winning poetry collection, and my poems are licensed for use in anthologies and curricula around the world.
No Risk 7-day, Money-back Guarantee
If you take the course and don’t feel like it helped, simply reach out to us, show us you have made an effort, and we will refund your full investment.
