Antagonist

Character Role Analysis

Lord Wessex, or Shakpeare

Shakespeare's biggest antagonist may be himself. Like any writer, he is prone to chronic procrastination. However, he doesn't get into a swordfight with himself in the film—he gets into a swordfight with Lord Wessex, the man who will take Shakespeare's love, Viola, away from him. The two men are rivals in love, which makes for a dramatic life-or-death duel.

However, it's not really Wessex's fault, is it? Will is sleeping with a woman who he's engaged to be married to. And he lies to Wessex, giving him a false identity. Again, it seems like Will's biggest enemy is himself.