I don't create an antagonist with depth by simply giving them power, but by providing them with **personality, motivation, and consequential actions**. In *The Chronicles of Wetherid II*, there is no such thing as "just evil." Every antagonist has interests, goals, and their own perspective on the world. Depth arises not through background lore, but through consistent action within the story.
1. The Logical Origin: What is the Motivation?
My starting point is always **motivation**. I ask: What does this antagonist want to achieve? Protection, power, revenge, order, recognition, or survival. This motivation is not abstract, but concrete. From this, I derive their decisions. An antagonist does not act cruelly by chance, but **logically from their perspective**. If I know their goals, their behavior remains consistent.
2. Personality and Fallibility
The second foundation is **personality**. An antagonist is not just a function of the plot, but a character. Are they cautious or impulsive? Calculating or proud? These traits determine how they react to defeat and provocation. Depth arises when they always act according to their traits, even if it leads to mistakes.
Another vital rule is **fallibility**. An antagonist without weaknesses is not a character, but an obstacle. They make wrong assessments. They trust the wrong person. Or they are limited by their own principles. These flaws make them human and create tension.
3. Active Action and Presence
The third rule is **integration into the plot**. An antagonist gains depth only if they act actively and do not just react. They make decisions, plan, fail, and adapt. They visibly influence the course of the story. If the antagonist only appears at the end, they remain flat. Depth comes through presence and impact.
4. Understandability, not Agreement
The fourth rule is **understandability**. The reader must be able to comprehend why the antagonist acts this way, even if they reject it. Their motivation becomes tangible through dialogue, memories, losses, and previous decisions. Understanding does not mean agreement; it means relatability.
5. Challenge and Mirroring the Protagonist
The sixth rule is **challenge**. A good antagonist is tested themselves. They face moral, political, or personal decisions. They must make sacrifices. Depth arises when even their own position becomes uncertain.
Another important point is the **relationship to the main character**. Antagonist and protagonist often mirror each other in their goals or fears. They do not just stand against each other but react to each other. This creates dynamics instead of mere opposition.
For me, the true depth of an antagonist emerges where I begin to understand them—not as an enemy, but as an acting person with their own history. They are not the obstacle to the plot; they are a part of the plot. When their decisions are logical, their motives tangible, and their mistakes visible, they become more than an opponent. They become a driving force of the story.