In the novels we write, protagonists often steal the spotlight, but secondary characters—particularly antagonists—can add depth, conflict, and intrigue to the storyline. Regardless of the genre or setting, a well-crafted antagonist can elevate a story from good to unforgettable.
Too often antagonists or nemesis characters are stereotyped—they come across one-dimensional and superficial. When we give secondary characters inner conflict, we add so much more richness and believability to our stories.
Yes, our antagonists and nemesis characters are meant to stand in the way of the protagonist’s goals. But they can do so much more. And they need to have their own lives.
Setting the Stage with Antagonists
In my novel Colorado Dream, (a Western novel under my pen name Charlene Whitman) I put a lot into my supportive cast. My hero, Brett Hendricks, is a cowboy working on a ranch and driving cattle. I purposely created a small cast of characters around him to give a wide brush stroke of the various types that populated that milieu. Continue Reading…
