Antagonist

Character Role Analysis

Commander Kruge

Speaking of murderous jerks, let's talk about Kruge. This Klingon commander is the antagonist because he stands in direct conflict with Kirk. He wants the secrets of Genesis because he sees the device as the ultimate weapon (which it wasn't designed to be but it totally is). In his quest to steal its secrets, he kills numerous people and kidnaps Saavik, David, and Spock.

When Kirk arrives at Genesis, the two become enemies. Kruge wants the secrets of Genesis, which Kirk has, and Kirk wants to rescue his friends and son, which Kruge has. You bring these literary ingredients to a boil and boom: instant conflict.

The remainder of the film revolves around these two battling each other with fists and wits until one is victorious…and one is getting crispy in a lake of lava.