Writing an effective antagonist can be challenging, especially since most people don’t see themselves as villains. Your antagonist needs to have a clear, compelling goal driving their actions—whether it’s a desire for power, wealth, or realizing a specific vision.
A well-crafted antagonist should be able to justify their actions, at least according to their moral logic. Nevertheless, what better way to analyze the notion of what makes a great antagonist than looking at an iconic story like The Lion King (1994)? Let’s dive in.
Still from 'The Lion King (1994)'. Photo credit: Screenrant
Scar
The Lion King has an iconic character that most people think of when discussing what makes a great antagonist. If you don’t know, Scar, originally named Askari, is the primary antagonist of the film. He is the younger brother of Mufasa, whom he envies deeply, and serves as both his rival and murderer.
Scar also becomes the nemesis of his nephew, Simba, and Scar’s ambition to take over Pride Rock leads him to orchestrate the deaths of both Mufasa and Simba in his pursuit of the throne.
Physically, Scar is a gaunt and scraggly lion, noticeably leaner and weaker-looking compared to other males. Despite this, he stands at a similar height to them, allowing him to meet others at eye level. His features are sharp and angular, with orange-brown fur, striking green irises within yellow eyes, and a silky black mane.
He has a distinctive pink scar over his left eye, from which he derives his name. His claws are always extended, and he sports a goatee-like beard along with tufts of fur at his elbows. Scar speaks with a refined English accent and blames his frail appearance on bad genes.
However, despite his apparent lack of physical strength and his admission that he isn't as powerful as other lions, Scar is deceptively capable, holding his own against the younger and more robust Simba during their final confrontation.
Scar is characterized by his cunning, sarcasm, and narcissism as an adult. He carries himself with a cultured and elegant demeanor, often displaying a dry and cynical humor. Though he is more inclined to flee than fight, Scar has proven that he can be a formidable opponent when forced into a corner, as demonstrated in his last fight with Simba.
His arrogance is pronounced–he believes that he deserves to be king simply because he desires it, regardless of his lack of qualifications. Scar harbors deep resentment and contempt for his brother and nephew, as well as for anyone who opposes him.
His relationship with the hyenas is purely exploitative; he views them as mere tools for his schemes, a mindset that ultimately leads to his downfall when he attempts to shift the blame for his crimes onto them. His hatred for Mufasa is so intense that he forbids anyone from mentioning his brother's name in his presence, reacting with furious rage whenever he hears it.
Hyenas
As great as a primary antagonist, it’s equally as important to have a supporting cast. The Hyena Clan serves as supporting antagonists in the film. They are led by Scar and are composed of a large, seemingly endless number of hyenas and their descendants.
The hyenas are generally portrayed as wild, greedy, and not very intelligent. They harbor resentment toward the lions for being "at the top of the food chain" and are eager to ally with Scar in exchange for hunting rights in the Pride Lands.
While often depicted as goofy and chaotic, the hyenas can also be aggressive and ruthless. This is especially evident when they turn on Scar after he tries to blame them for his crimes, ultimately leading to his downfall as they attack him in revenge.
Iconic Moments Connected to the Antagonist
Most people connect The Lion King with Mufasa’s death and that revolves around the notion of the antagonist and how he’s written. For starters, Mufasa is portrayed as a noble and wise king, as well as a loving father. From the moment he appears on screen, you instantly connect with his character.
Then, Mufasa’s tragic death cements his impact–he sacrifices himself without hesitation to save his son, unaware it’s a trap meant to bring about his downfall. Finally, it’s Simba’s reaction that truly tugs at your heart. If Mufasa’s death alone wasn’t heartbreaking enough, seeing the innocent and devastated Simba trying to comprehend the loss is what makes the moment unforgettable.
Mufasa's death is unforgettable because it masterfully combines three key elements: the character’s depth, the circumstances of their demise, and the emotional reaction of others. These components work together to create a moment that truly stabs you in the soul. If you want to evoke deep emotion with a character’s death, these fundamentals are essential.
Developing Your Antagonist - Who Goes Against the Villain?
Your antagonist needs a clear motivation. It's essential to understand and define what drives them, whether it’s jealousy, anger, greed, compulsion, or a thirst for power. Whatever the motivation, make sure it’s well-established and consistently influences their actions. Furthermore, the character should have obstacles within their circle.
For example, in The Lion King, Scar is a reckless ruler who disrupts the circle of life by exploiting the land without giving anything back. His mismanagement leads to drought and starvation, affecting all the animals, including his allies, and the hyenas.
Though they suffer from hunger like everyone else, they remain loyal until Scar betrays them by blaming Mufasa's death on them in front of Simba. This final act of treachery turns the hyenas fully against Scar, and when the opportunity arises, they take their revenge by devouring him.
Final Thoughts
An antagonist can be inspired by many sources, even a character like Scar. Similar to the protagonist, this character can be shaped by people you know–friends, family, acquaintances, or even strangers. They might draw from experiences with coworkers or reflect aspects of your inner conflicts.
The core role of the antagonist is to obstruct or challenge your main character’s goals. While often portrayed as villains or embodiments of evil, antagonists don’t have to be sinister. They’re frequently shown in a negative light, but they can also be humorous. Regardless, an antagonist is essential to any story and Scar is a perfect example of one no matter what you hope to write.
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