How can characters be their own antagonist?
In Part Two of our Five Part Epic Exploration™ into antagonists, Chas & Stu take a look at “vs self” stories. Stories where the protagonist (or main character) serves as their own antagonist as well as the antagonist for those around them.
It took us a long time to settle on our homework, but we ended up exploring LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, SHAME, and MONSTER. Our discussion continues in backmatter with MINDHUNTER and STEVE JOBS.
As a result of our exploration, we manage to get a better understanding of our ‘thesu’ on: internal vs external change; obstacles and pressure; stories without singular antagonists; and how it really is the antagonistic forces that carve out the protagonist’s journey.
As always: SPOILERS ABOUND!
Audio quotations used for educational purposes only. Timestamps indicated below. Chapter markers included in the mp3. Watch it on on YouTube.
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EPISODES LINKS
- DRAFT ZERO RELATED EPISODES
- LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE w: Michael Arndt [@ 5m 15s]
- SHAME w: Steve McQueen and Abi Morgan [@ 25m 10s]
- JustWatch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/shame
- MONSTER w&d: Patty Jenkins [@ 53m 53s]
- JustWatch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/monster
- WRAP UP [@ 1 hr 20m 10s]
- MINDHUNTER created by Joe Penhall [@ 1hr 33m 40s]
- STEVE JOBS screenplay: Aaron Sorkin [@ 1hr 42 min 20s]
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