hey everyone! ?:)? wow, havent been on the forum lately.
anyways, im studying the three-act structure of screenwriting and im wondering one thing - where in the formula is the antagonist usually introduced?
thanks guys!
Off the top of my head, Antagonists are usually introduced (first seen, even if in shadow or whatever) in the first act, quite early on.
Some films will have the antagonist in the very first scene alongside the protagonist, especially if it's a "teammate gone bad" or "hero's revenge" sort of story.
Morgneto, Master of Morgnetism
Morgneto, Master of Morgnetism
And often they'll appear before the protagonist, particularly in horror movies.
Doesn't even 'Star Wars' have Darth Vader appear before Luke? It's a long time since I watched it, but I seem to remember the space battle happening first.
I agree, introduce him/her early on, makes it more exciting.
something wicked this way comes...
That's it! You people have stood in my way long enough! I'm going to clown college!
Star Wars had Vader before Leia and then Luke a half hour later.
Empire Strikes back started with the Imperial fleet then down to Luke.
Return of the Jedi started with Vader discussing the Emporer and then to Luke.
Seems George Lucas likes to introduces the villians first.
RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA
RJSchwarz
If i remeber correctly sauron was introduced right at the beginning of LOTR:FOTR as well. Before gandalf or frodo, but I could be wrong, I haven't see it in a bit.
You people have held me back long enough, I'm going to clown college!
That's it! You people have stood in my way long enough! I'm going to clown college!
Introducing the antogonist early in many genres give you the hook nice and early show the bad guy and what they are doing that makes them bad before your show the protagonist. Even if the antaogonist is not a person you need to set this up early.
I am feeling that within the first 10 pages but certainly before you begin to climb to the climax of act 1.
Michael Rogers
McRogson
Michael Rogers
McRogson
