This was very insightful and informative, thank you.

I would add, in building Great Stories the two opposing forces must be nearly equal, that the hero admires his adversary, who forces him to achieve greatness.

“You know my powers, my dear Watson, I was forced to confess that I had at last met an antagonist who was my intellectual equal. My horror at his crimes was lost in my admiration at his skill.”

I try to grow villains "organically." Usually they start out as functions character in the overview/grand scheme stage. Then as the story matures, so do they. I always delve into backstory when trying to create believable antagonists. They do what they do for a reason...

Villans are almoast always funner to write than the protagonists. I can't remember who is the source of this quote, but it's a difference on my writing:

"A story is only as strong as its villian."

There's some real truth to that...

GREAT point of discussion, Scott. Can't wait to read how other GITSers deal with building their awesomized (a word I just developed on the fly as the situation warranted) antagonists.

- E.C. Henry from Bonney Lake, WA