The Six Core Audience Experiences Toward Antagonists

A great antagonist isn’t just an obstacle for the protagonist—they evoke powerful emotions from the audience. Whether they are feared, hated, admired, or even pitied, the best antagonists leave a lasting impact. However, the emotional experiences they create are different from those of protagonists.

While audiences connect with protagonists through identification, inspiration, or emotional depth, they engage with antagonists through opposition, challenge, and disruption. But what are the core ways audiences emotionally respond to them?

After analyzing different villain archetypes and audience reactions, I’ve identified six core audience experiences that make antagonists compelling. These experiences shape how an antagonist feels to an audience, determining whether they are chilling, thrilling, detestable, or disturbingly fascinating.

1. Dread & Intimidation (“I fear them”)

Some antagonists create an overwhelming sense of fear and powerlessness in the audience. They aren’t just obstacles—they are forces of nature, making the protagonist (and the audience) feel small in comparison. Their presence alone creates tension and unease.

Why It Works:

• They make every scene feel dangerous and unpredictable.

• Their mere presence raises the stakes, making audiences fear for the protagonist.

• Audiences don’t just dislike them—they are genuinely afraid of what they might do next.

Examples:

• Anton Chigurh (No Country for Old Men) – A relentless, unreadable hitman who seems inhuman in his pursuit.

• Pennywise (IT) – A monstrous entity that feeds on fear itself.

• The Xenomorph (Alien) – A perfect predator that embodies pure terror.

2. Rivalry & Opposition (“I want to see them lose—or win”)

Some antagonists aren’t just enemies—they are worthy adversaries. These are the villains who push the protagonist to their limits, creating a battle of wits, skill, or ideology. Audiences don’t just want them defeated—they want to see how the conflict unfolds.

Why It Works:

• Creates suspenseful, high-stakes battles that keep audiences engaged.

• The antagonist is respected, even if hated, because of their competence.

• In some cases, audiences even root for them, especially if their ideology is compelling.

Examples:

• Light Yagami vs. L (Death Note) – A chess match of deception, logic, and morality.

• Darth Vader (Star Wars) – A fallen hero whose power and presence make him an iconic rival.

• Agent Smith (The Matrix) – A relentless, ever-evolving adversary to Neo.

3. Disgust & Hatred (“I loathe them”)

Some villains exist purely to be hated—and audiences love it. These antagonists are repulsive, manipulative, or outright evil. Their purpose isn’t to be understood but to be despised, making their eventual downfall deeply satisfying.

Why It Works:

• The audience is emotionally invested in seeing them fail.

• They evoke a visceral response, making the protagonist’s struggle feel justified.

• Their lack of redeeming qualities makes them easy to despise.

Examples:

• Joffrey Baratheon (Game of Thrones) – A cruel, cowardly ruler whose every action makes audiences want him gone.

• Dolores Umbridge (Harry Potter) – A villain who isn’t just evil, but smug, condescending, and infuriating.

• Ramsay Bolton (Game of Thrones) – A sadistic, manipulative monster whose cruelty is unmatched.

4. Fascination & Intrigue (“I can’t look away”)

Some villains draw people in not because they are relatable or sympathetic, but because they are enigmatic, unpredictable, or stylishly twisted. They keep the audience captivated because they are unlike anyone else in the story.

Why It Works:

• Their mystery makes them unpredictable and compelling.

• They often have aesthetic flair, charisma, or a unique ideology that keeps audiences hooked.

• Their presence dominates scenes, often stealing attention from the protagonist.

Examples:

• The Joker (The Dark Knight) – A chaotic enigma whose motives remain a mystery.

• Hannibal Lecter (The Silence of the Lambs) – A refined yet horrifying villain with a chilling intellect.

• Makima (Chainsaw Man) – A manipulative force who exudes control and mystery.

5. Sympathy & Tragedy (“I understand them”)

Some antagonists aren’t just villains—they are tragic figures whose actions stem from pain, loss, or circumstance. While audiences may not agree with them, they understand them, making them deeply compelling.

Why It Works:

• It makes the audience question morality, adding layers to the story.

• It prevents the antagonist from being one-dimensional, making them feel human.

• Sometimes, audiences even hope for their redemption.

Examples:

• Magneto (X-Men) – A man who survived the Holocaust and fights for mutant survival by any means necessary.

• Killmonger (Black Panther) – A villain whose ideology is based on real, systemic injustice.

• Mr. Freeze (Batman: The Animated Series) – A man driven by love, tragedy, and desperation.

6. Admiration & Dark Aspiration (“I almost want to be like them”)

Some villains are so charismatic, competent, or visionary that audiences almost admire them, even when they do terrible things. These are the antagonists that make people say, “I hate what they’re doing, but damn, they’re good at it.”

Why It Works:

• They represent power and control, which can be intoxicating to watch.

• Their skills, intelligence, or ambition make them formidable and captivating.

• They often have a philosophy that, while flawed, makes some sense, creating moral complexity.

Examples:

• Walter White (Breaking Bad) – A mild-mannered teacher who transforms into a ruthless kingpin.

• Griffith (Berserk) – A visionary leader who achieves greatness at an unimaginable cost.

• Thanos (Avengers: Infinity War) – A villain with a clear, calculated plan to reshape the universe.

Final Thoughts: Why These Six Emotional Experiences Matter

Every great antagonist evokes at least one (often more) of these six core audience experiences. Some make us afraid, some make us angry, and some make us question our own beliefs.

When crafting an antagonist, ask yourself:

1. What do I want the audience to feel toward them?

2. Which core experience fits their role best?

3. How can I execute this feeling without making them one-dimensional?

By intentionally designing an antagonist with these emotional responses in mind, you ensure they are more than just an obstacle—they become a driving force of the story that audiences will never forget.