The Inner Struggles and Motivations That Bring Antagonists to Life

Crafting Strong, Conflicted Antagonists: Part 2

In the first part of this series, we discussed how a strong antagonist can elevate a story by creating tension, conflict, and pushing the protagonist to grow. Now, we’re going to explore what lies beneath the surface: the internal conflict, motivations, and vulnerability that make an antagonist feel real, nuanced, and compelling.

The Importance of Internal Conflict in an Antagonist

Internal conflict vs. external conflict: Now Novel has a great article "External and internal conflict: Examples and tips"

"...internal conflict refers to a character's internal struggle." "External conflict, on the other hand, refers to the conflicts between a character and external forces."

*Now Novel "External and internal conflict: Examples and tips"

If you want a antagonist with internal conflict to be more than an obstacle, they need to be a character in their own right with struggles, insecurities, and doubts. This can make readers empathize even if they don't agree with the antagonist's actions.

Think of internal conflict as a reflection of the antagonist's humanity.

Example: Consider Darth Vader from Star Wars. He’s not just a ruthless enforcer; he’s a character torn between the dark side and his connection to his son, Luke. This inner turmoil adds depth and makes him more than just a villain in a black cloak.

Vulnerability: The Power of Showing Weakness

Don't worry that giving your antagonist weaknesses will make them less of a threat; on the contrary it will make them feel more real and relatable. These vulnerabilities could be anything from a personal fear, painful past, or a loved one they'll go to the ends of the earth to protect. These elements can help readers understand them, even if their actions are excusable.

Example: In The Hunger Games, President Snow is a powerful figure, but his obsessive need to maintain control reveals a weakness. This vulnerability—fear of losing his grip on Panem—drives many of his actions and shows why he’s willing to go to extreme lengths to preserve his authority.

Motivations: Why They Do What They Do

Motivation can stem from personal history, a sense of justice (even if it's twisted), or past trauma. The stronger the motivation the more believable.

Here are a few types of motivations to consider:

Personal Revenge: A wrong committed against them that they can’t move past.
Ideological Belief: A belief system or cause they feel passionate about, even if it’s harmful to others.
Love or Loyalty: Protecting someone they care about or avenging a loss.
Desire for Power: An insatiable need for control, wealth, or influence.
Survival or Self-Preservation: Acting out of fear or desperation.

Example: Killmonger from Black Panther is a powerful example of an antagonist with clear, justified motivations rooted in personal pain and a desire for justice. Though his methods are destructive, his goal—empowering oppressed people—resonates with the audience, making him a memorable character.

Making Motivations Personal to the Protagonist

For added depth, you can tie the antagonist's motivations to the protagonists in some way. This can make it feel personal rather than random, giving a meaningful showdown between them. Is there a shared past? Do they mirror each other's strengths or weaknesses? Do they have a relationship with one another that complicates things?

Example: In Harry Potter, Voldemort’s obsession with immortality and dominance clashes with Harry’s desire for peace and friendship. Both are “chosen ones,” shaped by their circumstances, but they’ve chosen different paths, which makes their conflict all the more intense.

Creating a well-rounded antagonist means digging deep into their motivations, internal struggles, and vulnerabilities. Remember, an antagonist with layers will not only challenge your protagonist but will also resonate with readers. Whether they seek revenge, power, or justice, letting their flaws and motivations shine through will make your antagonist memorable.

Next week, we’ll discuss practical strategies for writing your antagonist’s scenes, including dialogue techniques, building tension, and creating impactful confrontations. Happy writing!

The Witch's Crystal Book Review

Wow, where do I even begin with Devon Gambrell’s The Witch’s Crystal? This novel hooked me from the first page, plunging me into a richly woven world that felt as real as my own. Gambrell’s world-building is a masterclass in immersive storytelling—every detail feels intentional, every scene brimming with color and life, pulling you in deeper with each turn of the page.

One of the aspects I absolutely loved was how vivid and expansive the world felt. Gambrell’s attention to detail makes it easy to get lost in the lore, landscapes, and societies she’s created. From shadowed forests steeped in magic to bustling markets filled with strange and wondrous wares, I felt like I was traveling alongside the characters, discovering each location right there with them. I can’t say enough about how powerfully the setting shapes the story; it’s as much a character as any of the people we meet!

And, yes, I am already dreaming of a world map! I mean, who wouldn’t want a map to track the characters’ journeys through this enchanting land? It’s the kind of world that begs to be charted. I have no doubt that when it comes, it’ll be just as stunning and layered as the story itself.

If you’re a fan of beautifully crafted worlds, layered magic systems, and characters with a real depth and authenticity, The Witch’s Crystal is absolutely one to add to your shelf. Gambrell is one to watch—I can’t wait to see what she does next!

Devon Gambrell https://www.amazon.com/stores/Devon-Gambrell/author/B0CV1DHW2F?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true