Raising the stakes

Aristotle reminds us that drama works best when the protagonist and antagonist are inexorably linked.

Putting them in the same location works. Putting them in the same room works better.

Amp up the drama by drawing the opposing forces closer together.

Two men face each other, fists cuffed ready to fight.

Give each of them a dagger, bind their forearms together so neither can flee, watch as they circle each other for the right moment to strike.

Want more resonance? Make them twin brothers, Princes by blood. Make the King explain to them that whoever wins the fight, wins the crown and the kingdom.

Keep raising the stakes.