Introduction
Pronunciation
kəm-ˈpe-tə-tər
In literature, a competitor is a character who opposes the protagonist or other characters, often creating conflict and driving the narrative forward. The competitor can be a rival, antagonist, or any character who challenges another character’s goals, adding depth and complexity to the story.
How Writers Use Competitors
Writers use competitors to:
- Create Conflict: Introduce challenges and obstacles for the protagonist.
- Develop Characters: Show different facets of characters through their interactions with competitors.
- Advance the Plot: Drive the narrative forward through competition and rivalry.
- Highlight Themes: Explore themes such as ambition, jealousy, and morality.
- Engage Readers: Keep readers invested by adding tension and excitement.
Types of Competitors
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Rival | A character who competes with the protagonist for the same goal. | Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter |
| Antagonist | A character who actively opposes the protagonist. | Darth Vader in Star Wars |
| Love Rival | A character who competes for the affections of the same person. | Jacob Black in Twilight |
| Professional Rival | A character who competes in a professional or academic setting. | Antonio Salieri in Amadeus |
| Sibling Rival | A character who competes with a sibling for attention or inheritance. | Edmund in King Lear |
Rules of Competitors
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Clear Motivation | Ensure the competitor has clear and understandable motivations. |
| Balanced Power | Balance the power dynamic between the competitor and protagonist to maintain tension. |
| Character Development | Develop the competitor’s character to make them more than just an obstacle. |
| Conflict Resolution | Plan how the conflict between the competitor and protagonist will be resolved. |
| Thematic Relevance | Make sure the competitor’s role is relevant to the main themes of the story. |
Examples of Competitors in Different Media
Competitors in Literature
| Title | Author | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Harry Potter Series | J.K. Rowling | Draco Malfoy as Harry Potter’s rival at Hogwarts. |
| Moby Dick | Herman Melville | Captain Ahab as the obsessed antagonist competing against Moby Dick. |
| Pride and Prejudice | Jane Austen | Mr. Wickham as a rival to Mr. Darcy for Elizabeth Bennet’s affection. |
Competitors in Children’s Books
| Title | Author | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Matilda | Roald Dahl | Miss Trunchbull as Matilda’s oppressive rival. |
| The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe | C.S. Lewis | The White Witch as the antagonist competing against Aslan and the Pevensies. |
| Percy Jackson Series | Rick Riordan | Luke Castellan as Percy Jackson’s rival and antagonist. |
Competitors in Poetry
| Poem | Poet | Example |
|---|---|---|
| The Rime of the Ancient Mariner | Samuel Taylor Coleridge | The Mariner as the internal competitor against his own guilt and fate. |
| Paradise Lost | John Milton | Satan as the competitor against God and mankind. |
| The Iliad | Homer | Achilles and Hector as competitors in the Trojan War. |
Competitors in Songs
| Song | Artist | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth Criminal | Michael Jackson | The antagonist competing against the protagonist’s peace. |
| Stan | Eminem | Stan as a competitor for Eminem’s attention and recognition. |
| Bad Blood | Taylor Swift | The rival depicted in the song’s narrative of betrayal and conflict. |
Competitors in Movies
| Movie | Scene | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Star Wars | Darth Vader vs. Luke Skywalker | Darth Vader as Luke’s ultimate rival. |
| Rocky | Rocky Balboa vs. Apollo Creed | Apollo Creed as Rocky’s boxing competitor. |
| The Dark Knight | Joker vs. Batman | The Joker as Batman’s chaotic antagonist. |
YouTube Links:
- Star Wars – Darth Vader vs. Luke Skywalker
- Rocky – Rocky Balboa vs. Apollo Creed
- The Dark Knight – Joker vs. Batman
Competitors in Advertising
| Advertisement | Company | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I’m a Mac, I’m a PC | Apple | Depicts Mac and PC as competitors. |
| Pepsi vs. Coke | Pepsi | Ad campaigns highlighting the rivalry between Pepsi and Coca-Cola. |
| Burger King vs. McDonald’s | Burger King | Ad campaigns showcasing the competition between the two fast-food giants. |
YouTube Links:
FAQs about Competitors
What is a competitor in literature?
A competitor in literature is a character who opposes or rivals another character, often creating conflict and driving the narrative forward.
How does a competitor differ from an antagonist?
While all antagonists are competitors, not all competitors are antagonists. Competitors can be rivals or opponents in a variety of contexts, not just as villains.
Can competitors be used in all types of writing?
Yes, competitors can be used in various types of writing, including literature, poetry, songs, movies, and advertising, to create conflict and engage readers.
Why are competitors effective in writing?
Competitors are effective because they introduce conflict, develop characters, advance the plot, highlight themes, and engage readers.
Related Devices
Antagonist
A character who opposes the protagonist and creates conflict within the story.
Foil
A character who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight particular qualities and traits.
Rivalry
A competition between characters that drives the plot and develops character relationships.
Conflict
A struggle between opposing forces, which can be internal or external, driving the narrative forward.
Tension
A literary device that creates a sense of anticipation and anxiety in the reader about what will happen next.