It’s my interpretation that all characters have an INFLUENCE on The Main Character even if by degrees of seperation.
Some just have a more profound influence than others.
1979’s PHANTASM demonstrates one of the coolest INFLUENCE/MAIN Character relationships ever.
The Tall Man (Antagonist) is truly one of cinema’s most endearing villains (though he’s overshadowed by his contemporaries) largely in part because ot the INFLUENCE/MAIN Character relationship.
SPIOLERS.
Michael (MAIN) has taken to visiting a spiritual medium in search of guidance.
There he delivers some exposition (handled eloquently) and is told there is nothing to fear - that fear is Michael’s problem.
The medium explores one of Michaels woes on her own and is dispatched.
She was wrong. There is something to fear.
A sequence then reveals that Michael’s biggest problem is The Tall Man invading his subconcious.
The Influence character was RIGHT. Fear is the problem.
Of course The Tall Man poses a real threat after all and this proves the Influence character wrong
as Michael’s SKEPTIC/SIDEKICK/INFLUENCE/ALLY/PROTAGONIST brother encourages Michael to abide by fear.
There is something to fear.
Michael recalls his visit to the medium, resists fear and proves one influence character (his brother) wrong and the other Influence character (the spirit medium) was really on to something after all.
Michael awakens from his dream of defeating The Tall Man.
Was she ever right - it was all just a dream!
Michael discovers the other influence characters in his dream are indeed dead - particularly his SKEPTIC/SIDEKICK/INFLUENCE/ALLY/PROTAGONIST brother who declared victory by his side in the dream.
The dream was a wishful fantasy about conquering a desperate fear of loss.
The spirit medium was wrong.
Michael resolves that reality dictates one must overcome fear of loss or life is but a kind of living death.
Surely the spirit medium must be right.
The Tall Man manifests and defeats Michael.
Was she ever wrong!
Can y’all follow that?
If not, I really need to practice on my writing
Any thoughts?