Analytical essay:

Why are antagonists or villains in general more compelling than the

protagonist aka heroes?
In most kinds of storytelling, there is always a main figure whom the story
centres around, and in the other hand, someone who works against them and
foils their goals. All of us, since a very young age can easily recognize the forces
of good and evil in a novel, movie, comic, or a video game.
While in many narratives, the protagonist is synonymous with “the good
guy,” the word “protagonist” is simply from an Ancient Greek word meaning
“one who plays the first part, chief actor, the lead character of a story.”
Though often referred to as the “hero” of the story, the protagonist isn’t
necessarily virtuous, and may be just one of many protagonists. As for the
antagonist he is the opposer or combatant working against the protagonist’s or
leading characters’ goal (“antagonizing”) and creating the main conflict. The
antagonist can be one character or a group of characters. In traditional
narratives, the antagonist is synonymous with “the bad guy.” And we must
point out that the only difference between these two entities is “perspective”.
“Every Villain is the Hero of their own story. “Villains too have trodden a path
to get to the point/perspective at which they currently are. It is even more
mystifying and nuanced how an individual has conclude that the actions they
have taken is the right one. Growing up has changed one thing in us and that is
understanding any story from villain’s perspective and liking him. Especially
their backstory that can range several common tropes: The person who society
has mistreated so turns to revenge. The noble intention causing an incident
with blame based on someone (often a hero or society). The rejection of
society, or the lack of options due to unfortunate circumstances, and finally
the psychologically disturbed. We were always a hero person and believed in
good wins over evil loses. But that never happens, and this is our harsh reality.
There are hardly any happily ever after or forever in anything. This is probably
when most of us started appreciating the dark side. As Pain said to the hero in
Naruto series "Love is the reason why there is pain. When we lose someone
precious to us, hate is born. Vengeance is the product of that hate and so
death follows. But in death there is only more death. This will give rise to more
pains. In this cursed world we live in, it is a cycle of hatred that will not cease.
You and I seek the same thing that. Let me ask you this: How will you confront
this hatred to create peace?"
"Religion, ideology, resources, land, spite, love or just because. No matter how
pathetic the reason, it's enough to start a war”. Furthermore, villains cater to
our bloodlust and rebellious side we all usually hide. It's the reason Grand
Theft Auto was loved; it's the reason Joker is such an iconic character.
Importantly times have changed, but the portrayal of heroes have not. A naive,
hardworking, good, honest person does not easily survive in the times we are
living now. Not saying these qualities are out of style. But according to me the
ideal hero must be balanced and rational. A true neutral would be a better
hero than a lawful good in our times.
Personally, I like antagonists for multiple other reasons, their aesthetics.
Most villains have a cool aesthetic. They naturally have a taste for the finer
stuff which readers secretly adore too. Strategic nature: I enjoy strategic
planning and the elaborate intelligence used by villains in manipulation rather
than the pure in born strength of most heroes. And more eminent they are
relatable and mysterious. Heroes are already expected to win and for a good
reason, I don't disagree, their morals. But it's the persistence of villains even
after our and perhaps even their knowledge that they'll fail that makes them
likeable. The air they have about them of coldness, unpredictability and evil
hooks on the reader making them concentrate on the villain's every move.