The Antagonists: Exploring Villains in Narratives

In this salon, Norman Chella will lead a discussion on the role of villains in narrative formats (eg. comic books, movies, novels) and the impact they have on our lives.

Are villains inherently evil? How do you become a villain? What roles do they really play in a story?

“Imagine, I now possess the power to end hunger! To abolish disease! To eliminate crime! To establish a perfectly content, perfectly ordered world, all under the benevolence of my iron will!” – Dr. Doom

The Antagonist is an interesting and complicated role. From those who have the desire to change their circumstances at the cost and compromise of others, to the ones who want to rule the world.

In a story, they introduce change, conflict, and give us an idea of the outcome. Protagonists are then designed to steer the story into a better direction.

I invite you to question the morality, role, and position of a villain, one who has their own story to tell, and one who has the willingness to change/destroy the fabric of their world for your entertainment.

To paint themselves as evil even if they see themselves as good, according to our perspectives.

“And with everyone super, no one will be.” – Syndrome, The Incredibles

This salon is split into two fragments:

• Defining the villain: origin stories, roles, narratives and morals
• Show and Tell: Share us your favourite villain and let’s explore who they really are!

Let’s talk about inviting change, questioning the good, and confronting the evil.

“To build a really better world sometimes means having to tear the old one down. And that makes enemies.” -Alexander Pierce, ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’, 2014.

Reading List:

• Why Doctor Doom Is the Best Supervillain of All Time
• Essays on Comics Characters: Doctor Doom!
• r/thanosdidnothingwrong – My Ethics essay about Thanos
• How To Make A Great Villain (YouTube)
• Meruem – the best antagonist in anime : on crafting villains
• Ask the Expert: How to Create a Great Villain
• What Makes Thanos a Great Villain?

Optional Exercise

• Bring your own villain! It can be one from a movie, a comic, an anime, a podcast, any format! Villains are universal after all. I’d love to hear recent stories of villains you’ve encountered while watching a movie, reading a book, etc. and tell us why you like them. What makes you resonate with them? What do you find attractive about them? Do you aspire to be like them?

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