I have recently managed to get some plotting done for a planned future novel, working on how to get reader engagement with the characters at the start of the novel.

While considering other novels I have read recently I noticed the commonality that it is the antagonist in the story that drives the plot.  The protagonist, who the reader typically empathises with, usually plays a more passive role – at least initially.  They react to the situations and scenarios thrown up by the actions of the antagonist.

An antagonist as described here is not necessarily a ‘bad guy’ in a story but they are a character that is driven by their own motivation and as such impose their will on the protagonist, for example a Gandalf figure calling Frodo to a journey.  At a stretch an antagonist can be a situation or ‘the system’, for example the favela culture in the 2002 film City of God.

If the protagonist is not the driver of the plot then does this shape how many stories are presented to the reader? In effect they become questions of ‘how would you react to this situation?’ which turn into cautionary tales if the protagonist picks poorly or educational tales if the protagonist picks wisely.

Playlist

The Water Margin Theme / Godiego