Sometimes I have the sneaky suspicion I think way too much. Then I realize, sure dummy, that’s really all we do. Well, besides eating, sleeping and our daily visit to the pooper. Hell, even then most of that time is probably spent thinking about something. And that’s when I came to realize that maybe I should start writing some of these ponders down as Brig’s Ponders.
It may surprise you that I’m a man who holds pretty strongly to his religious beliefs. Laugh, scoff as you might, but I truly believe all of us believe in something. Even if that something is chaotic chance, then we all hope that our dice will role 7 or 11 and that the roulette wheel of life will stop on 00.
That said, I always find it interesting how many people can say they believe or not in something and then get defensive when someone dares challenges not their belief itself, but the representation of that belief.
Here’s an example, this weekend at our family’s weekend Bible study we were discussing Jesus’ first sermon as written in Luke (Luke 4:14-30). (No, I’m not turning this into a sermon, bear with me for a moment.)
What’s interesting is how the crowd at the temple reacted to this sermon. And it made me realize something. If I think Jesus is an antagonist. Then that would have to mean that it’s possible that Antagonists don’t necessarily have to be evil.
If that’s the case, then maybe not only is a foundational element of many people’s faith is challenged, but also our views on storytelling.
Is it really required for the Antagonist to always be evil? Could not our hero be the Antagonist?
This got me thinking and it hit me as such a revelation that I knew I had to ask if I was right about this? The responses were awesome.
Take for example what Joe Wilson (The awesome genius behind Vampire Mob.) had to say:
“The hero doesn’t have to be a good guy, but there needs to be conflict, which can come from an antagonist.” – Vampire Mob (by Joe Wilson)
And he’s not alone. Danslatable had this to say:
“Most certainly not. Although the antagonist would be perceived as “evil” even if they are the heroic type.” – Danslatable
Of course this sets off a whole new set of questions then.
If we change our views so that the role of the antagonist is no longer evil but good, and that of the protagonist is no longer good but evil. How much of our own world view change? What about those we think of being criminals? And of course what about those who’s beliefs are so very different from ours.
Makes you ponder doesn’t it? How such a simple shift in something so simple can have now really wondering, “What makes the bad guy bad and what makes the good guy, good?” (And people wonder why I prefer independent television and movies!)
Instead of asking a bunch of amateur filmmakers, who are pulling their answers out of their rear ends (even if they may be right), you should just go to the source and crack open Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero with a Thousand Faces” or to a lesser degree “The Writer’s Journey” by Christopher Vogler, whose book is based on Campbell.
As is, it’s like you’re arguing over how the “Declaration of Independence” is worded, while doing everything but actually checking the “Declaration of Independence”.
Now sure, this is a blog thread, so some troll is going to come along and shout that Campbell isn’t the authority. They’re wrong. And unless their pen name is something like Hemingway, Dickens, or Twain, they might as well be fighting the wind.
Yes, reading Joseph Campbell or Vogler would probably be a good start. And I’ve read Campbell in the past. But for this one I really wanted to more explore people’s thoughts, opinions, ideas instead of relying on what is now “written wisdom.”
Also, understand that the basis of this question was more about me questioning the perception of the cornerstone of Christian Theology. “What if Jesus isn’t the Protagonist but the Antagonist?” And if so, how does that alter one’s perception of Christianity?
Anyways, you didn’t really address the questions I asked? What if you altered your perception on what is good and what is bad? No read the Declaration of Independence? How does your perception change now?
That’s more about what I’m hoping to hear. Not someone offering me a literal critique. (Though it really is appreciated. honestly!
)
Alright, gloves off.
The answers to your questions are glaringly obvious to anyone who understands what the term “antagonist” actually means. You only think they’re deep, because you don’t. So, here’s my original answer to you, reworded:
Go look up what an antagonist actually is, then re-examine whether you even still need to ask those questions.
…
Know what you’re tearing apart before you tear into it.
Oh, interesting post. Great points. I might need some more coffee to comment. But, I suppose it’s more about the perspective that the reader or watcher takes.
CS Lewis beat you to it, with Screwtape Letters… its a perfect example of what you are describing here.
Oh man! I completely forgot about The Screwtape Letters. Thanks for reminding me.