The Causes of Conflict: Every Character Has Reasons
Every POV character in a story needs to have reasons for their actions and decisions. Those reasons are based on life experiences, fears, and even lies the character believes.
Antagonists or villains rarely are a POV character in a novel. One, because they aren’t typically likable enough for the reader to root for them. And two, some are downright evil. Not many readers want to be in the head of a serial killer. But antagonists and villains believe they are justified in their actions. They are the hero of their story. And the author needs to understand what drives that character to portray them realistically.
Why does the author need to understand both the protagonist and the antagonist?
Because the opposing goals of the hero and antagonist cause tension and conflict in the story. And a story without tension and conflict is boring.
In the movie, The Patriot, with Mel Gibson, his character fears he will be punished for his past actions in battle. The desire to protect his children physically and psychologically from the horrors of war eventually forces him to fight in the American Revolution. The primary antagonist is sadistic, but also desires to achieve status and land, so he fights everyone and everything that keeps him from attaining those things.
The Lessons of Conflict: Every Person Has Reasons
Fiction reflects some aspects and truths about real life.
Every person decides and acts based on life experiences, fears, and the lies they believe.
Remembering that helps me:
— Realize that when I have a conflict with someone, the other person may not be ill-intended or malicious. They just want to meet their goal like I want meet my goal.
— Ask God to help me discern the intention of others and protect me from people who wish to harm me.
— Analyze my own motives and ask God to help me not act out of fear or lies or selfishness.
— Pray that others will find a way to be relieved of their fears and the lies they believe.
What helps you understand and overcome the causes of conflict?
What helps you understand and overcome the causes of conflict? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
Great post, Joni—very applicable to the writing life as well as our walk with Christ. I especially appreciated your point on the need to analyze our motives and ask God to help us not to act out of selfishness or fear.
Blessings to you, my friend!
Very informative message, Joni, thank you. I like knowing the reasoning behind the villain’s actions. I certainly want to know more from the hero (“good” men and women), but I think it’s important for the author to share what makes the antagonist the way they are. As you point out, it’s vital for us to know the reasons for our own conflicts and how to find peace. Jesus shows us the way.
Great post, Joni. I agree every POV character needs to have reasons for their actions and decisions. And just like characters in a work of fiction, we should also have reasons for our actions and decisions. Prayerfully led by our Creator.