Description
In storytelling, villains provide more than menace; they are the force that defines heroes. A potent antagonist challenges the protagonist on every level—emotional, physical, psychological. This conflict is what transforms a good story into a gripping read. To master the art of creating such a formidable antagonist, we turn to the master himself—William Shakespeare. Whether consumed by greed or driven to murder, his villains are antagonists on a grand scale, so vivid that they are iconic character types that have fascinated audiences for centuries the world over. They offer us a master class in villainy.
Led by Tony Award-winning director Robert Falls, known for his acclaimed Shakespeare productions, this workshop will dissect Shakespeare’s approach to villainy. From the cunning Iago to the ruthless Lady Macbeth, Shakespeare’s antagonists are captivating because they are deeply human, embodying both our best and worst aspects. Their diverse motivations and despicable methods make them eternally intriguing and instructive. Through detailed character analysis and targeted writing exercises, we’ll learn to craft our own memorable villains—characters capable of challenging their protagonists and fascinating readers. We’ll learn why Shakespeare’s villains remain the gold standard for antagonists in literature, and how we can apply these insights to our own writing.
