Antagonist Opening Lines

I'm new here. Chances are, this has been done before. If so, I am really sorry, I swear, that's the emotion I'm feeling right now.

But anyway, what are some of your favorite, greatest, or just most unique quotes from your antagonists from these kinds of moments?

1. First confrontation 2. Before combat 3. Before defeat 4. Before rematch 5. After victory 6. During combat 7. Before killing anyone 8. Hero going through moral event horizon 9. Or anything else you'd feel like sharing

I was mostly inspired to write this from the Mortal Kombat X lines that the characters speak before the match starts. Also, Shao Kahn from MK 2 and MK 9 has some great lines, especially during combat when he's fighting you.

I found the way he had such an ego, and his mix of intimidation and hilarity from pure badassery really seems unique to me in the way he does it. Its somewhat similar to M Bison, but I prefer Shao Kahn's lines. Sometimes, it might seem silly for certain characters to use these lines, but it really depends on the character. A god-like antagonist with understanding and intelligence beyond our comprehension would not say "You suck!" However, a more mortal-like and/or relatable conqueror-type antagonist could say "Its official, you suck!" and make it work. So, thoughts on antagonist lines? And send any of your antagonist lines?

Also, I haven't really said anything about hero antagonists, but you can put lines from those types of antagonists as well, but I don't think they're quite as common as the more evil-aligned antagonists on tvtropes.

Villain - Magic God Odin

1) "I can't say I've heard of you before, boy. Your Association friends trained you...poorly."

2) "Standing against me? You've profoundly little ground to stand on, but I suppose a new amusing distraction is in order."

3) "...that flaw...damn. I suppose you've proved you're more valorous than the crooning quims that pass for Association fighters nowadays. I'll call it a day...for now."

4) "I remember you. The boy from that boat...again? I suppose it is true - you have a death wish. And as a Head God of a Pantheon of Warriors, I will bequeath you this death."

5) "Not as satisfying as I thought it would be - victory against you, Matthew. I believe I'll end our confrontation here. It wouldn't be sporting of me to cut you down if you are affected by a Curse."

6) "Excelsior. Blocking that in such a way...I'm reminded of why I keep you alive."

7) "I told you people to bring me Dinah. Instead you almost got massacred. I told you to defeat her commanders and bring them to me, and instead I see one of their heads rolling around out here. I'm honestly not thrilled by this performance."

8) "...That isn't Matthew. I know it isn't. And I'm going to go find that trouble-stirring imp Kyrio and beat an answer out of him. Failing that, Thor, I want you to distract Matthew while I work on dispelling whatever is at work here."

9) "How do you say, let me get this straight - not only did you think you were strong enough to take over while we were all looking elsewhere, but you trusted three of the most obviously treacherous cretins in the magical world. You - not wanting to have to really work at outdoing yourself - proceeded to issue orders so vague and contrarian that aforementioned treacherous cretins ran around randomly doing malevolent deeds and were still able to reasonably say they were doing your work." Odin wiped his hand on his head slightly, "...altogether, this fracas is the single worst designed scheme I've ever had the displeasure of being involved in. I won't even kill you - I doubt you're even worth bothering with. Because honestly, if anyone involved in this hadn't somehow lost all higher brain function your own plan would've entailed defeating itself."

edited 14th Jan '16 2:17:18 AM by NickTheSwing

Not an antagonist, but one of the many villains from a video game concept I have.

"Peacemaker" is one of a race of extradimensional aliens, and his faction (Enforcers) is trying to ally/take over civilizations via peaceful methods.

"Peacemaker" is genuinely a nice guy, but just misguided, and the Resistance so happens to be an enemy of the Enforcers. As for his ability, it's a galaxy-wide, extremely powerful aura that makes sentient beings within lose all aggression and will to fight, rendering them passive/pacifistic, hence his codename. This also works on other extradimensional aliens too, and only the Enforcers allied with him are immune. He's otherwise rather bad in a fight, preferring to solve things peacefully.

Of course, the Enforcer leader has a more sinister motive... which "Peacemaker" is kept in the dark from. It's up to the player to find out what the leader is planning and show "Peacemaker" the evidence.

First confrontation: Hmm. It's you, from the Resistance. Do you have any idea how much trouble the people were causing before I arrived?

Before Combat: Look, I'm not here to fight, but I see that you're able to. Ah well. Guards, remove that Resistance member.

During Combat: Do you even know what you'll do if you remove me from this planet? The place will fall into chaos. I highly recommend reconsidering your actions.

During Combat (Guard Call): Guards, strike him down!

Player Defeat: Just leave me and my citizens alone. I just want peace, that's all.

Player Victory: ...I concede defeat. Now, what do you want with me, Resistance member?

Before killing anyone: I hate having to do this, but...

Hero going through Moral Event Horizon: You'd do something like this? You're no better than the Defiance...

After being shown evidence of the Big Bad's secret plot: ...he actually did THIS to the very people I protected? It seems like I was kept in the dark! That's just... You know what? I refuse to work with a monster like that. Listen up, people, from today on I'm no longer an Enforcer. But I will continue to protect this system from the Defiance and them.

edited 26th Jan '16 9:08:53 AM by ironcommando

Villain — Bellanger, the Masked Emperor

• 1) First confrontation
  • “No force in this world will stop me from fulfilling my duty.”
• 2) Before combat
  • “Your fists could never hope to reach me.”
• 3) Before defeat
  • “You have my admiration. But make no mistake: you do not have my sympathy.”
• 4) Before rematch
  • “What, precisely, do you hope to accomplish?”
• 5) After victory
  • “Are you satisfied? Now you know your limits.”
• 6) During combat
  • “That spirit is almost enough to make me consider sparing you. Almost.”
• 7) Before killing anyone
  • “You have come this far even as I walk the earth. Consider that the miracle you have birthed.”
• 8) After defeat
  • “God has no need for two saviors.”

He’s quite literally a ghost from the past, so his manner of speech is a little more formal than most — and a lot more grandiose. Despite his menacing form and lofty title (well, technically it’s Ghost Emperor), he’s actually only acting on behalf of his world’s equivalent of God, and trying to save the world by any means necessary. So yeah, Well-Intentioned Extremist is in full force…except in the story’s context, it’s either go to extremes or reality itself will go extinct.

It's basically go big or go home. Or, you know, die.

edited 25th Jan '16 8:17:42 PM by Voltech44

Fleet Commander Anthem Valkyrius (Villain's premier naval officer.)

1. "Can't say I've heard of you... no matter, I have now. I would say it's good to meet you, but... well."

2 "You sincerely wish to make a fight of this? We can settle our differences without violence, I'm sure."

3."If I am entirely honest, I did not expect this. Such is life, - or perhaps death - I suppose."

4."As it turns out, we don't go down quite so easily. No, if you're going to tough it out and fight for your ideal, so shall we."

5. "I am truly, sincerely sorry it had to come to violence. While perhaps our goals are mutually exclusive... I like to believe we could have been allies, in another life, another time."

6. "How many must we both lose before this can end?"

7. "You have my apologies, and my sympathies. Go in peace."

8. "This... I'm sorry. This, I cannot forgive. From this day onwards, you are considered to be an enemy to kill on sight, and a criminal of the highest order. May the gods have mercy upon your soul... as we no longer can."

9. (Upon discovering the "Hero's" superiors) "You nauseate me with your actions on the field, a d then insult us all by siding with these people? You claim us to be oppressive, evil overlords while fighting for fascists and psychopaths? It seems we must add hypocrisy to your ever-growing list of sins and wrongs. I feel even the most benevolent of the gods could not allow you mercy now."

(Upon the "Hero" attempting to defect) "No. I am sorry, but no. You engaged in war crime, fought under an old and irredeemable enemy, and then have the gall to ask to fight for us? No. If you're lucky, your corpse shall drift among the stars forever, but do not hope for such a dignified end."

[As you can probably tell, this guy prides himself on being An Officer And A Gentleman.]

edited 26th Jan '16 7:10:50 AM by Error404

Balmunc Zwei Artensa

1) "I wake up and who do I see but Vonh and his friends...truly a delight. Plenty of victims right out the gate."

2) "Hiihihihihihi...I'll lick the blood off your corpse...clean it right up. Give me your greatest hatred!"

3) "Even though you had to sleep too, Vonh, you're still in top form. This is why I love you. This is why...when I get back to top form...I'm gonna mutilate you. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!"

4) "Riddle me this," A large sword made of blood rips clean of Balmunc's arm, and is then jerked upward pointed toward the young King, "Why even bother fighting for this wretched planet? It and every single person on it see you only in terms of what you can do for them. Selfish people, the lot of them - and I bet they're watching this fight right now, rather than engaging me themselves. Planet Terra is gonna die, and there's nothing you can do to save them from their fate...kuuhaahahahahaha..."

5) "At long last, I'll get to taste you—-oh, a rescue I see. Life is cheap Vonh, and remember I know the bitch's name...oh, time for me to go meet some of your friendsiesiesehehehehehehehehehehe..."

6) "Yes, this is love and hate in equal measures! Let the blood flow and merge! Pure entertainment! Bring it all toward climax, an orgasm of violence!"

7) "There is no meaning. None. You think I care for Viseilia? They can't love or hate you people any more than the wolf hates the stag! I need something...more."

8) "This is unbelievable! My will for this world overrides yours! This is nothing but my entertainment! Mine! You have no right to take any of this from me! Love is pain, pain is hate, and hate is me!! I'm superb and beyond classification, a god dwelling within a shell! I've hurt-hated-loved countless lives, you...you cannot change that!"

9) Balmunc puts himself together "Well, Miss Cleine, you certainly came in at a bad time. I cannot tell if your expression is indicating you want to vomit at this sight, or whether you're curious. I've basically taken myself apart and am reapplying my inner bindings and sutures...ever seen Frankenstein? Hey, think you could pick up my intestine? It kinda fell out some." Linda Cleine, a bloodthirsty mercenary, promptly runs outside to vomit profusely.

edited 27th Jan '16 3:46:54 PM by NickTheSwing

Hate to be the "Stop Having Fun" Guy, buuuut...

While I can understand that this is meant simply to be a fun diversionary thing, I'm wondering if it doesn't make a few problematic assumptions, and if this template can't be repurposed for something a bit more open-ended and constructive.

See, the framing here is very much that of a video game combat scenario, which has very little bearing on how most prose narratives develop. Sure, writers cop plot elements and storytelling techniques from multiple sources of inspiration to craft a unique work, but the fact of the matter is that books don't really work the same way that fighting games do. Depending on the angle the author is attempting to achieve in presenting their antagonist or, as the case may be, multiple antagonists, the method of introduction is going to vary widely.

For example, how might one, within a novel or a television show, introduce a character as a bloodthirsty psychopath? One way would be to show them committing some atrocity, onstage or off, with little affect, maybe even a glib or inappropriately toned remark. But by the same token, our introduction might be more subtle: Our initial impressions of this character are sympathetic or charismatic, gregarious, inclined to jokes and friendly gestures—until the turn. Such a shift in tone, whether subtle or very abrupt, can be far more shocking. We could even take things further and introduce the character as an ally of the protagonist, dropping hints that they're bad news but stringing the hero and the audience along until the other shoe drops and the traitor reveals himself for the monster he is.

Here's the irony, though: All of these fit perfectly into a fighting game plot, just as well as a book or a show, but none of them really fit the arc that you're presenting here. Sure, the rules can be bent to be about when a character becomes self-evidently villainous/antagonistic or when they first show up regardless of narrative implication, but the whole appearance/confrontation/defeat structure is dubious as well.

Perhaps it would be better to ask these questions in terms of defining character moments within the arc of the antagonist—because villains have arcs, too, don'tcha know—and where they intersect with the progression of the protagonist within the narrative. For instance:

• How the antagonist is introduced.
• How the antagonist's character is established (which may or may not be the same).
• How the antagonist's relationship to the protagonist is established.
• How the antagonist's motives are explored and expanded upon at key moments in the story.
• How the antagonist responds to a major setback or triumph.
• How the antagonist responds to their final defeat or, in a (usually) darker story, ultimate triumph.

Just my two cents. Have a nice day.

P.S. And now you have me thinking of how Flowey is introduced and video games as vehicles of complex narrative and oh, fuck me, this train never ends, does it?

P.P.S. Speaking of analysis, this setup could totally be used as a springboard for constructive critique, but I think I've already made that implication fairly clear through my existing proposal. Regardless, making it explicit never hurts in situations like this.

edited 4th Feb '16 6:02:12 AM by JHM

Oh my god, I love that anyone responded at all. I made this thread terribly, but I love that people are responding to it. I'll try to show my opinions on all these characters, but its hard to criticize, just because all these villains are incredibly interesting.

Nick, I personally love "Excelsior. Blocking that in such a way...I'm reminded of why I keep you alive." There's something really cool about the fact that the villain is keeping the other person alive out of being amused, but also impressed. Shows power, but a bit of a unique kind of ego.

Iron, my favorite of yours is "Just leave me and my citizens alone. I just want peace, that's all." It gives an awesome side to the villain, that makes him not so villainous, and more of a double-sided coin. Its more like politics, rather than personal vendetta, it seems.

Voltech, my favorite of yours is “You have my admiration. But make no mistake: you do not have my sympathy.” I really love that, because it reminds me of like, a machine-like mind in a being, noting things that impress/might help them in the future, but not showing that he's come to be a friend, or even mutal, to the hero/protagonist.

Error, I really love "How many must we both lose before this can end?" Once again, two sides, but something about this seems special, with how I can imagine an antagonist gentleman, but he's not completely evil, and I love that with villains of all kinds. But the fact that he has noted both sides of this "war", with how he knows that the two are both losing, rather than having pride in himself, it just is really neat.

Nick, once again, I like this villain idea. My favorite line is "Yes, this is love and hate in equal measures! Let the blood flow and merge! Pure entertainment! Bring it all toward climax, an orgasm of violence!" It makes him creepy, and just close enough to the humanity we all have. His blood obsession, and obsession with violence, its not something new, but its done right.

JHM, I'm going to try my best to be constructive, but you completely described everything wrong I did perfectly. I think you described what I wanted to do with this thread better than I did. The villain arc, these words alone really, like, "enlightened" me. By the way, the quotation marks aren't sarcasm, just, enlightened sounds a bit silly, but I still wanted to say it. Thank you for any of this, people should really read this post for further ideas on lines. This is just my first thread(or second, but most likely first) and I really am new to this. JHM, your two cents have made me a millionaire. Also, that thing with Flowey, I personally LOVE Flowey, with how deceptive and evil he is, but he still has a side to him with Asriel. He tricks you into thinking he's your ally, and then your enemy, and then turns out to be a little bit of both, with Asriel on the inside. On genocide, however, he starts out as your ally, then your enemy, and then, once you prove yourself just as evil as him, he helps you, as an ally once again. Flowey is tricky, but interesting.

But once again, thank you everyone for just replying. I'm usually a bit of a jerk on threads, but tvtropes has an awesome community. Sorry if I offended anyone, I really do love all these villain concepts and ideas truthfully though.

Thanks. Glad to have been of service. :3

This one is from an RP I take part in. The character in question was unquestionably a vile, brutal villain in real life and is one of the more brutal characters present.

Basically, its Code Geass. Thus I give you Henry Himmler.

1) "The Black Knights are even more indecent than I had thought. Let your ideals die and know your powerlessness."

2) "Very well, forcing me to engage in combat. This Sutherland IV is not just for show, you know...I'll admit, I like the idea of gutting you like a fish."

3) "Damn...the multi-section weapons are shot to hell...fine then. Have your victory. Enjoy it while it lasts, and I assure you, it won't last long!"

4) "I received your message for Combat By Champion. I brought...friends." -cut to Reiner, Joachim, Eamon, and Oscar's Knightmares all leaping down from above- (extra points because all their Knightmares are Red and Black and Evil All Over.)

5) "Some may say having assistance dulls the feeling of triumph. They would be liars. I find much more satisfaction in seeing you beg me for someone's life. Now choose - which of your friends will die."

6) "You're running out of places to hide. My multi-section weapon was stronger than yours, and your movements betray your fear. Surrender yourself to fear, for I control your fear. And in that, I control you."

7) "Let me introduce myself. I am the new manager of the Peace Protection Brigade while Charlie Havengale is out. I am Henry Himmler, and there will be a few changes in the charter."

8) "I knew we had a lot in common. Go on. Finish. You hold their lives in your capable hands. And in that control, you show you are truly of the Master Race. A race defined by the willingness to commit to extinguishing the lesser and abolishing the unnecessary."

9) A Rather Indecent Letter Sent to Nobles Living In Japan The Archduke says that his charter for the Peace Protection Brigade runs out at the end of the year. The charter for the Specialized Security group ends...well, it never ends. You can either support this political maneuver, or I have a few long knives I can send you.

edited 7th Feb '16 9:30:50 PM by NickTheSwing

I like the idea for this thread. In light of JHM's post, may I add a suggestion? While JHM's right that not all villains have situation like those presented and have a quip for each, it could be an interesting thought excercise to think what the antagonist would say in this situation, were they inclined to do so - a bit like in "What Would Your Character Do..." thread, only more focused.

Anyway, about the villain: this one's only in draft stages, but I have some stuff on him already. Name's S'hazesh, he's an Evil Sorcerer.

• 1. First confrontation
  • [interrupts]Silence, if you may. Words did not help others, and I doubt they'd help you now.
• 2. Before combat
  • This is my realm.
• 3. Before defeat
  • You maz'h^note He's literally calling his opponent "cattle-slave" here bastard! What gods-forsaken dirty trick did you use to get better of me, you cur?!
• 4. Before rematch
  • [punch] Hello again. Missed me?! [continues with attacking]
• 5. After victory
  • [to his thrall]Take this thing out before it stains the carpets.
• 6. During combat
  • [blocks a strike] And to think that for a moment I suspected actual intelligence behind this empty stare of yours!
• 7. Before killing anyone
  • And the moral for you is: chose your battles wisely. Who knows? Maybe it'll be useful for you in the afterlife.
• 8. Hero going through moral event horizon
  • What are you waiting for? Carry on. Impress me.
• 9. Others
  • An underling: You're a fool who'll find himself with a knife in the back befo-
  • [S'hazesh twists underling's thrall inside out ]
  • S'hazesh: Funny, I'd swear I've just heard you fart from your mouth, Hataz. Do you feel like saying something useful for a change?

edited 8th Feb '16 7:24:26 AM by Kakai

x5: JHM, you make an excellent point. Villains can really run the gamut, especially when their interacting with heroes and other would-be agents of justice. Not every character is perfectly fine-tuned to show up in a fighting game.

With that said, virtually all of my characters are perfectly fine-tuned to show up in a fighting game. Well, maybe not perfectly, but they could sure make the transition pretty easily. I may or may not have a few files that give them move sets that wouldn't be out of place in a Street Fighter entry. Also, let's just go ahead and assume that this will cause me no problems, grief, or inherent flaws in the future. I'll probably sleep better that way.

Anyway, I'll keep the momentum going with one of my baddies.

Veyron, the Umbral Tyrant

• 1) First confrontation
  • “Come on, then. Let’s make my homecoming a celebration!”
• 2) Before combat
  • “Cower in fear! The true goddess stands before you!”
• 3) Before defeat
  • “Wretch! I’ll carve you into pieces!”
• 4) Before rematch
  • “Sate me or die. Those are your only choices.”
• 5) After victory
  • “Your first mistake was sharing a planet with me.”
• 6) During combat
  • “You’ll become one with the earth soon enough.”
• 7) Before killing anyone
  • “AHAHAHA! NOW, DIE!”
• 8) After defeat
  • “This means nothing. I will CRUSH YOU!”

See? You can tell she's unhinged, because I typed out some of her dialogue in all caps. Probably shouldn't get in the habit of that, but whatever. It's at least one way to get in the boots of a vicious superhuman swordswoman.

Obligatory agreement with JHM, and now for my set of lines.

These are from a villain from my game, Ian, the leader of the Champions' Order and face of the true big bad's operations.

1. (First confrontation) "Oh, one of those hero types finally showed up. You lot usually much arrive sooner."

2. (Before combat) "You think crawling your way up my castle gives you the right to defeat me? You haven't the skill to back those words up!"

3. (Before defeat) "You may have beaten me now, but our plans are far from over! However, you won't be part of them anytime soon!"

4. (Before rematch) "My, my, chasing me all the way up here, eh? You probably think this'll be an easy victory, but unlike you, I have allies to help me take you down!"

5. (After "victory") "Well fought, but after that long battle, surely you must be worn out? Now that I have you trapped, there shan't be a stain to be wiped clean from the earth!"

6. (During combat) "Obvious. Unprepared. Telegraphed. Honestly, if I didn't know any better, I'd say there wasn't a shrapnel of life to you."

7. (Before killing someone) "It seems the lot have failed me yet again. You've gotten worse at your job somehow, and that's insulting. I suppose it doesn't matter anyway, seeing as it'll be your last."

8. (Hero moral event horizon) "Well well well, brutally murdering my entire order seems a bit much, doesn't it? I didn't realize you had it in you. Are you certain you don't want to join me?"

9. (Death) "B-But how could you have broken free? You had to have outside help! But from where..! Magicant you rotten little-"