Playing Constructive Antagonists

Sometimes characters in our game are mean and antagonistic. However, there is a difference between playing an antagonistic character and being an actual antagonist. An antagonistic character can be combative, secretive, and work to their own gain in many situations. But a player playing an antagonist must be constantly aware of where the line is between enhancing the stories of other players and just being a jerk. Antagonistic characters should be played by players who are still respectful of other players, of the stories other players are trying to tell, and of the right to have fun with other members of the community.

IG actions of an antagonistic character making the game unfun for other players is not fair to the community.

Playing an antagonist can be a wonderful experience for all parties involved if done correctly. If you play this type of character, it is your responsibility to contact your fellow LARPers and make sure you have not hurt their feelings. You must know and respect the limits of the people you interact with. You must understand that if you are playing an antagonist, characters will treat you accordingly. Finally, you must take responsibility for positive meta-gaming where necessary to make certain no one’s game is ruined by your antics. Make space for other people to play, just as you make space for your own character.

What Goes into Playing an Antagonist?

Playing a true antagonist or villain is hard and generally requires a great deal of effort from the player. It should only be approached with the mindset of furthering other players’ and characters’ games. This is done by introducing an element of suspense, challenge, or difficulty.

IG, you can have fun with the role, but it should never be approached with malice. Ultimately, you are making the game harder for other characters. You are not on the side of most of the playership. In many cases, you are actively working to undermine them. But, this does not remove the usual suggestions for character building: give the character weaknesses, flaws, and a way to be either redeemed or beaten. Neither does it remove from you the responsibility of being a member of the Shadow Accord community.

OOG, playing an antagonist is difficult for many reasons. One of the most prominent is that it requires you to keep secrets. Important parts of your game may have to be kept from OOG friends. As an organization, we do not suggest lying to people OOG, but you can always avoid questions or tell someone that you cannot answer. Sometimes, this betrayal of trust can genuinely hurt friends. We do not condone RP that challenges OOG friendships and relationships, as it can lead to ostracism and mistrust within the community.

Even without these secrets, you may end up hurting people OOG. You have to be willing to put your own ego aside and accept full responsibility for your actions and the hurt you may cause. You made the conscious choice to play an antagonist. You might undermine many efforts made by characters and their players. You might end up being responsible for character deaths. Ask yourself before you play: are you okay with shouldering that blame? Are you okay with repairing damaged relationships that this character may cause for you OOG?

Depending on what your character does, people may be very upset when they find out, and, by agreeing to play an antagonist, you must prepare for, accept, and welcome OOG and IG repercussions. You must be vigilant and understanding of others to a very high degree. This often requires quite an extensive level of emotional labor and compassion. Understand that you shoulder the mantle of antagonist to further the game of others. It requires a big heart and deep respect for your fellow LARPers to do it well. Therefore, it is not a path that should be chosen lightly.