Heather Wertz asked Michael J. Sullivan:

I have wanted to write for as long as I could remember. Fantasy setting of course. My biggest difficulty has been with the antagonist. I am just not sure how to develop them. My worry is that they would be too over the top, not believable. I have looked for writing workshops but haven't found any on this subject. Even asked another writer but never heard anything. What is your advice?

Michael J. Sullivan Hey Heather, thanks for the question. I'm glad you are considering writing, it's not easy...but it's oh, so, satisfying. Writing characters is never easy and I know some do struggle with antagonists. The best advice I can give is to keep in mind that every character is the hero of their own story. It's important to give the reader sufficient background so we understand their goals, wants, desires, and they seem real and fleshed out. Of course you want to avoid the mustache twirling caricature. Best way to do this is make us know what makes him/her tick. Usually the antagonist isn't so much a villain as they are someone whose ends are laudable but their means is the problem. Before writing your book, maybe try writing a short story from your antagonist's point of view. It might help you get a better feel for them and then you can use that insight in your novel. Hope that helps.

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