How to write Fables? - 4 - The Menace

This Post concludes the Fable process

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You can find a Video Summary of part 3 & 4 at the end of the Article.

Step 5 - A True Menace unveils.

On their Journey, the Protagonists will meet multiple Antagonists.

One of these Antagonists will brand the Story.

This Antagonist will define the Story's ending.

The Menace generally appears after the Threat.

There are 3 ways through which the Menace appears :

1. The Threat can transition into the Menace.
2. The Menace can eliminate the Threat.
3. The Threat can join the Menace.

The main difference between the Menace & the Threat is dissimulation.

The Menace is more Discrete.

The Menace is not always a Character.

It can be a Setting or an Atmosphere.

Step 6 - They Defeat the Menace.

The Menace may Win.

The Menace will take advantage of the Instability the Threat created.

Therefore, when the Protagonists will face the Menace they're likely to suffer more.

The Protagonist are less likely to forgive the Menace.

Since the Menace represents their Weakness.

They should still have at least 4 choices :

1. Finish the Menace
2. Forgive the Menace
3. Forsake the Menace
4. Abandon

The Encounters between your Protagonists, the Threat & the Menace should be the core Focus of your Story.

The Menace is a Hidden Antagonist.

How should the Protagonists interact with the Menace?

• The Crisis involving the Menace should be harsher than the Crisis involving the Threat.
• The introduction of the Menace may be the Threat's demise.
• This Crisis should deepen Immersion.
• It should create stark Consequences.
• And conclude in Fear, Anger or Sadness.

How do you create a Relationship between the Threat & the Menace?

• They can be Friends, Allies, Opponents or Foes.
• Creating an intricate relationship between the Threat & the Menace will deepen your Story.
• If you can make this relationship evolve thorough the Story, even better.
• If the relationship is revealed late in the Story, prepare this revelation.

How should the Menace be Revealed?

• The Menace evolves through Crisis.
• She should be Revealed through a Crisis.
• Her Identity is most precious.
• She needs secrecy to create Danger in the early stages.
• She will still use Deception.
• Characters will continue to face Betrayal & Abuse because of her.

How is the Menace Symbolized?

• The Menace, or the final Antagonist, should elicit a form of Admiration.
• The Menace is Heavy.
• She is Overwhelming.
• She may be Hidden.
• She may be Recurrent.
• And getting rid of her is an Eternal task.
• Look for a Symbol which represents Longevity, Propagation & Stability.

If you want to know more about Hidden Antagonists.

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