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DRAFT ZERO

DZ-122: Escalating Antagonism Across Genres

How can you apply horror ideas to action and comedy?

⏱ 1h 44m
Character · Structure · Genre | 1 OCT 2025

Show Notes

In this episode Chas, Stu and guest Kim Ho continue their exploration into the power(s) of antagonism and how focusing on them can develop story.

While Part 1 looked at the horror film SINNERS, in Part 2 we venture into genres beyond horror with the action-thriller REBEL RIDGE, and the comedy classic MEET THE PARENTS.

To both these films we apply the generative story framework TOMBS (Transgression – Omens – Manifestation – Banishment – Slumber) and are surprised at just how well it maps. TOMBS comes from the MOTHERSHIP sci-fi horror table-top role-playing game. Which we love.

We explore how TOMBS, and thinking about antagonism in general, allows writers to deepen their understanding of their characters, their relationship of the heroes with the antagonists, and generate story fuel in a way that escalates the story.

We discuss how thinking of your hero as the horror for your villains helps everything become more dynamic.

Oh, and we talk about launching an actual play podcast. Which is happening. Stay tuned!

"Sometimes it’s great to have a piece of music where you’re like holy shit, I’m in a completely different part of the song. How the hell did they do that?"

Stu Willis  |  DZ-122: Escalating Antagonism Across Genres

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Thanks to our Patrons, especially Lily, Paulo, Alexandre, Malay, Jennifer, Thomas, Randy, Jesse, Sandra, Theis and Khrob.

As always: SPOILERS ABOUND and all copyright material used under fair use for educational purposes.


Chapters

  • 00:00:00 – Cold Open
  • 00:00:12 – Escalating Antagonism Part 2
  • 00:03:29 – Rebel Ridge
  • 00:45:30 – Meet the Parents
  • 01:30:29 – Key Learnings & Wrap Up
  • 01:41:38 – Thanks to our Patreons

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We are @stuwillis, @mehlsbells and @chasffisher on Twitter. You can find @draft_zero and @_shotzero on Instagram and Twitter.