The Protagonist is as Good as the Antagonist2 min read

A generic plot line that has been used since the Shakespearean time is a clash between good and evil where good always prevails.

An evil individual or organisation seeks worldly gains like power and wealth in an illegal or unethical manner while the protagonist tries to prevent them which usually ends in a massive confrontation.

The antagonist is either killed off or imprisoned which ends their key role in the film while the protagonist overcomes their weakness and moves on to the next villain.

This is the formula superheroes films have been using since dominating the major screens but to be frank, I am getting tired of it.

Without a powerful villain, that questions the morals or actions of the protagonist, the audience cannot explore the character development of the protagonist.

The role of the antagonist is to confront the protagonist and not many villains could accomplish that.

For instance, if the protagonist is overpowered, then where is the challenge?

One of the most iconic villains in superhero history is the Joker.   

In Christopher Nolan’s second instalment of the Batman trilogy, The Dark Knight received high praise from critics and the audience due to Heath Ledger role as the Joker.

As a result, Heath Ledger won the Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars, the first and only actor to gain the prestigious award in a superhero film.

A typical villain always seeks wealth or power, but the Joker does not have any superpowers or wanted world domination, but his only desire is chaos and having fun with the Batman.

The Batman was challenged morally and philosophically which resulted in him turning into the villain in the eyes of the city to preserve Harvey Dent’s laws that imprisoned many criminals before he became Two-face.

The point I am suggesting is a good villain is one that can be related to but knows they are evil even though their end may be justified but not the means.