Is your character an antagonist and a villain? If so, how?

Yes, because he sacrifices others to gain from it.

What is the antagonist's backstory?

Born in 1928, Mr. Spaan survived the Second World War, hailing from the neighbouring country of Germania rather than the Hollow Lands. Unfortunately, his mother passed away during his birth, and his father hastily remarried, leaving him with a dozen half-siblings. Growing up in a modest two-room dwelling in a small village, Mr. Spaan and his siblings shared a bed. Tragically, accidents involving the younger ones led to the discomfort of sleeping in the presence of urine, creating a persistent unpleasant odour in their home. This unfortunate circumstance became a regular occurrence, causing both the house and the children to carry the scent. At the age of 5, when Mr. Spaan attended a Protestant school, and he faced bullying due to his clothes and smell. Determined to change his fate, he vowed to become wealthy and dress impeccably. It was during his time at school that his remarkable ability to recite scriptures became apparent. Recognizing his talent, the pastor suggested to Mr. Spaan's father that he should consider sending him to a seminary once he completed his studies.

Not much later, when he was 11, the Second World War started. Because his family was hungry, they were forced to drown and eat the young litter of cats they had. While the other children watched with dismay, Mr. Spaan developed a fascination with death. Due to these circumstances, he wanted to pursue a career in the military instead of joining the seminary after completing his studies. This choice caused a significant disagreement with his father, resulting in a heated argument. However, despite the conflict, he still fulfilled his duty as a respectful son by getting some small groceries his father had requested.

While getting these, he unexpectedly encountered a tall individual with a beard and dressed in white attire. This person, standing at an imposing height, even bigger than Spaan, who already was 1.9 meters, urgently proclaimed, "God has sent me to guide you towards your future and your divine responsibilities." Overwhelmed by this encounter, he lost consciousness and later regained awareness in his own bed, surrounded by his praying parents. Interpreting this event as a sign of God, he ultimately decided to follow his original calling and enter the seminary.

After two years had passed, the war was nearing its end, and a destitute individual unexpectedly entered the seminary. This person bore an uncanny resemblance to that divine messenger, leaving Mr. Spaan feeling astounded and deceived. Yet, instead of succumbing to unconsciousness as before, he opted to pilfer money from the prayer room and hastily escape. Without purchasing a ticket, he swiftly boarded the first available train. When he saw the conductor, he began to pray for help and wished that the conductor would see the page he had previously torn from a Bible as a ticket. Strangely enough, he cut the card without any problems, and that is how Mr. Spaan discovered that he could manipulate people. By altering their minds by the power of suggestion.

Exiting at the final stop of the train, the peculiar town of Twisted did not bring any positive changes to his life. Struggling with poverty, Mr. Spaan resorted to working various odd jobs like shining shoes, washing dishes, and even working as a messenger just to sustain himself. Unfortunately, his meagre earnings were not enough to prevent him from falling ill due to malnutrition. One fateful day, he collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where he was initially believed to be lifeless until a faint pulse was miraculously detected.

Dr. Abel, a psychiatrist, became interested in him when he discovered Mr. Spaan's ability to enter and exit a catatonic state at will. Driven by curiosity, Dr. Abel took him under his wing and introduced him to the Free Masons, of which he was a member. Through these connections, Mr. Spaan secured a job at the local archives, which marked a turning point in his life. He now had enough income to support himself and even send money back home. As the years went by, Mr. Spaan irapidly climbed the ranks within the lodge and eventually became their spokesperson by the age of 20. Alongside his progress, he also honed his skills in mind reading, using them to his advantage and amassing wealth.

What are the antagonist's redeemable traits?

He is a philanthropic person and does a lot for good causes. For example, he volunteers in the archives he once worked at. He used to send money home for his parents. His responsibility, including accountability, perseverance, and self-management skills.

What are the antagonist's unlikeable traits?

He is deliberately unkind and likes to insult people. He likes to humiliate others and is very condescending. He is selfish (under the surface) and arrogant.

Are there ways in which the antagonist is sympathetic? If so, how?

He is curious and asks a lot of questions. He feels marginalised due to his repressed homosexuality. His altruism.

What are the antagonist's skills?

He can slip in and out of a catatonic state. He can read people's minds. Although only one at a time. He can control people's actions. Although it costs him a lot of energy, which his heart can't really handle no more.

Does the antagonist fit an archetype

Fanatic

How does your antagonist speak? Does he use large words? Does he have a high voice? This question is about considering how his dialogue would manifest itself in the story.

He had a hard and demanding voice. Spaan doesn't use curse words. But likes to insult people in creative ways. "You are the human equivalent of a participation trophy."

What is the antagonist's relationship with the protagonist?

The moment Freya stepped into the archive and began her search, his curiosity was piqued. Initially, he portrayed himself as a friendly elderly gentleman, guiding her and imparting knowledge. However, as he realized he couldn't decipher her thoughts, it became evident that she possessed undiscovered abilities. And he wants to use those for his own goal.

How does the antagonist fit within the hierarchy of other characters?

In the town, he holds an esteemed position and is the leader of his Free Mason lodge, earning him great respect from the community. Freya stands out as a bit of a black sheep.

How is the antagonist a genuine threat?

Because of his esteemed position in the community and as he is the leader of the Free Masons. Spaan has / knows he has these psychic abilities and knowledge how to use them. He had killed before and isn't afraid to do it again.

How is the antagonist an obstacle to the protagonist? Consider both the overarching story and any specific scene ideas you have?

He has an uncanny understanding of Freya's powers. He possesses knowledge about her abilities that even she herself was unaware of. In order to create the philosopher's stone (or something similar) and save his own life, he is compelled to take hers, extracting her blood. Additionally, he had no desire for her book to be published, as it held the potential to expose his closely guarded secrets.

What is the antagonist's goal?

First, it was to get rich, now to find a way to cheat death.

What is the antagonist's motivation for the goal?

He made a deal with the devil, and during judgement, he knows he will have to pay up for all the bad he has done.

Is the antagonist a point-of-view character? How does the chosen POV of your story affect the way the reader perceives and gets to know the antagonist?

At some point, you will read about him in the first person. So, you know what he feels and thinks. When the action line and side story come together, you will only read the protagonist's pov. Keeping some mystery to his actions/knowledge.

What are the antagonist's flaws? (How does he get in his own way?)

With his condescending attitude towards everyone, including his loyal followers, he unknowingly fosters a growing animosity among his own people. Constantly belittling others, he reveals his arrogance and consistently underestimates those around him. His cunning, ruthless nature and manipulative tactics only further solidify his reputation as a Machiavellian figure.

Is he the face of an abstract antagonist? If so, what is the abstract antagonist?

I don't think so, but maybe secretive international orders.

Does the antagonist have proxies, sidekicks, or henchmen? If so, describe who they are and their relationship to him.

In his lodge, there are around 50 other men, but he considers himself as their leader superior to them and expects them to obey him. He manipulates them to his advantage, especially by seeking assistance from lodge members who hold positions of power, such as judges or lawyers, to influence court cases. While he mainly associates with higher-ranking Free Masons, he has one loyal follower whom he protects from legal trouble and uses for his illicit activities. He promises this henchman that he will make him a Free Mason and share secret knowledge, but he never fulfills these promises. Although he has homosexual feelings for this man, he suppresses them and looks down upon him. Despite this, he somewhat views him as a son, although he doesn't truly feel love for anyone besides his dogs.

Brainstorm possible scenes that reveal the antagonist's backstory.

A chapter written from his point of view.

The diary of Ma.

Conversations between the antagonist and protagonist

Conversations between the antagonist and proxy

Conversations between protagonist and proxy

Brainstorm possible scenes in which we might empathize with the antagonist

The antagonist finds out his proxy has feelings for the protagonis

The proxy turns on his master and hurts/kills him

One of his little dogs die

Nobody visits him in hospice, just the protagonist to torture him

That he looks down on himself for his homosexual feelings

Brainstorm possible conflict scenes between the antagonist and protagonist.

The protagonist finds out he needs her blood

The protagonist finds out he is the reason for her families issues with drugs

The protagonist tortures him in hospice

The protagonist finds out he is influencing the lawsuit

The protagonist finds out that he knew about her powers

Antagonist Scene Chart (One scene out of four on paper)

Characters involved: antagonist, proxy, protagonist, and supporting character.

Actions: Freya pays a visit to Mr. Spaan at his office to discuss some findings she came across. At this point, they are still cordial, but Mr Spaan is trying very hard to read her mind, which he can't get into or just gets one blur of messages. During their conversation, they also touch upon their personal lives as Mr. Spaan is curious. Freya is single by choice at the moment, Mr. Spaan has feelings for someone younger and less sophisticated. He never married because he wanted to concentrate on his work and now he is too old to give in to those kinds of feelings. He doesn't really know why he is being that honoust with her. Suddenly, their conversation is interrupted by his proxy Dirk. Instead of getting on Freya's wave length, he reads Dirks thoughts. The proxy is captivated by the young woman's beauty and apologizes for the interruption. As she closes the door, she overhears Mr. Spaan commenting to Damien about how opposites attract, but at least Freya possesses qualities like being good-looking, intelligent, and cultured. Later, while reading Ma's diary, Freya discovers that Ma actually knew Mr. Spaan and suspected he might be gay, as evidenced by his knitting sweaters for his ugly dogs. This revelation reflects the prevailing homophobia of the 1960s.

Winners: Freya found another clue and is excited, as well as confused. Why didn't Mr. Spaan told her he knew Ma? On the other hand, Mr. Spaan feels bad that his love will never be reciprocated, and Dirk is insecure about himself.

What the reader learns: 1. Mr. Spaan knew Ma 2. He never married and is probably gay 3. He has feelings for someone younger and less sophisticated.

Antagonist Exercises

1. Freya is determined to fulfill her mother's wishes by writing a book, but Mr. Spaan is desperate to prevent her from doing so in order to safeguard his hidden secrets.

2. Despite Mr. Spaan's objections, Freya is determined to confront her painful past in order to gather information for her book. He believes that this process might help her heal from her own anguish and unlock her hidden powers. Which would make her a great enemy.

3. Freya's main priority is to bring her daughter back home and ensure her safety, but Mr. Spaan is adamant about keeping them trapped in the Twisted town. His sinister plan involves killing them to obtain their blood for the creation of the philosopher's stone.

4. In order to protect her daughter, Freya contemplates taking matters into her own hands and eliminating Mr. Spaan. However, he is desperate to survive and avoid facing his demons.

5. Freya entertains the idea of keeping Mr. Spaan in a catonic state , intending to inflict torment upon him. On the other hand, Mr. Spaan now desires death as he is already confronted by his own demons on a daily basis.

Freya Verschoor

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