So, what is the difference between an evil person and an aggravating person?
A villain is evil but not always the antagonist.
An antagonist is not always evil and therefore not always the villain.
Confused yet?
Well, hang in there. In an article by Annika Griffith, she explains the difference.
Just because someone in your book opposes the protagonist doesn’t make them evil. That makes this character an antagonist.
But, a character who opposes your protagonist with evil actions can become a villain.
Hang on, stay with me.
However, a character whose evil actions and motives are harmful to the protagonist, now that’s a villain.
What all this gibberish means is that the villain and antagonist can be two different characters or the same person.
Villian:
- Evil actions and/or motives
- Doesn’t always oppose the protagonist
- Can be the protagonist in the story
- Is a character “type” not a plot role
- Aren’t evil, just a pain in the ass for the protagonist
- Motives or actions aren’t evil
- Is a character who conflicts with a protagonist
- Opposes and causes conflict with the main character
- Is a plot role and says nothing about their character or personality
Clear as mud right?
Well, I think Ms. Griffith explains it better, so click on the link below and get the nitty-gritty. Then meet me at the water cooler.
If the villain is not always an antagonist, do we need both in a story?
Do you use both or combine the attributes into one character?
What do you think? How do you interject a character conflict into a story?
The Difference Between Villains and Antagonist by Annika Griffith
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