Antagonists Who Start Weak but Reveal True Nature: Hollywood’s Favorite Villains

Throughout the history of cinema, we've seen many antagonists who start off weak and timid, only to reveal themselves as formidable foes by the end of the film. These characters serve a dual purpose: they create suspense and build up the narrative to a climactic confrontational point. Here, we'll explore a few well-known examples from movies like The Iron Giant, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Zootopia.

The Iron Giant (1999)

The Iron Giant is a classic animated film that tells the tale of a giant alien who lands in a small Maine town in 1957. The antagonist in this film is Kent Mansley, a government agent sent to investigate the mysterious giant. At first, Mansley appears tough and assertive, leading troops and even an anachronistic missile sub. However, his actions are ultimately revealed to be weak and foolish.

When the Iron Giant proves himself to be friendly by not retaliating against the death of Hogarth’s companion, Mansley reacts with a nuclear missile strike. His contemptible moment comes when he receives orders to attack the harmless giant. Mansley’s words and actions reveal his true nature: a coward and a traitor.

The Climax: Gen. Rogard, the commander of the joint Army and Navy force, questions Mansley about the location of the Iron Giant. When Mansley tries to hide, he is shown to be powerless and cowardly:

"Where’s the Giant, Mansley?"

Mansley looks up in horror at the Iron Giant, just meters away: "W-we could duck and cover! There’s a fallout shelter right here!"

"There’s no way to survive this, you IDIOT!!!"

You mean we’re all going to—"

To die, Mansley. For our country."

Mansley, realizing the gravity of his actions, attempts to escape, but his cowardice ultimately leads to his downfall by the time the final scene unfolds. This antagonist's transition from a strong agent to a weak and indecisive one provides a powerful climax to the film.

Avatar: The Last Airbender (Series)

Avatar: The Last Airbender offers one of the best examples of a antagonistic reveal. Yon Rha, the Fire Nation commander, is a character who only appears in one episode yet plays a pivotal role in the series. Known for his ruthless actions, Yon Rha killed Sokka and Katara’s mother, setting their journey in motion.

In the final episode, titled "The Southern Raiders," Katara faces Yon Rha in a climactic confrontation. Yon Rha's prior actions and the series' build-up to this moment create a compelling narrative arc, making his character one of the most memorable villains in the series.

Zootopia (2016)

While less lethal than the other examples, Zootopia showcases a unique form of antagonist with Officer Clawhauser. Clawhauser is a weak, inept police officer who starts out as a mere annoyance to Judy Hopps. However, as the film progresses, it's revealed that he is not as incompetent as he initially appears. His true nature comes to light during a mission, where he is found holding a large cash reward meant for the case.

This reveal not only sets up a humorous twist but also adds depth to one of the film's less expected antagonists. His initial timid nature contrasts sharply with his final, more devious behavior, creating a memorable character arc.

Other Examples

Other notable movies that feature antagonists who start weak and then reveal their true nature include:

Unbreakable (2000) - ("/web/ct/EPUB3A437C23/2860567771/ct8175108682434341057.rtf", "c:UsersqwenDesktopreport3.rtf"); Saw (2004) - Although here the protagonist seems to have died at the beginning, the twist reveals a new antagonist who has life. There’s Something About Mary (1998) - Although not a purely antagonist, the main character's initial timidity and later boldness are a key part of the movie's setup and climax.

These examples demonstrate how the gradual transformation of an antagonistic character can add suspense and depth to a story. The key lies in the buildup and the contrast between the character's initial and final states, creating an engaging and memorable narrative for the viewer.