Antagonist

An antagonist is a person, group, force, or circumstance that opposes the protagonist and creates conflict within a story. The antagonist’s aims conflict with the main character’s, driving the narrative forward and testing the protagonist’s abilities, values, and resolve.

Origin: from the Greek anti- meaning “against” and agonistes meaning “contestant.” In literary analysis, the antagonist is distinguished from the villain, though the two can coincide. A story may feature a villain who is morally reprehensible or a protagonist who is his own worst enemy; the antagonist can be sympathetic or morally ambiguous.

Types of antagonists: a human antagonist is another character with opposing goals, such as a rival, a tyrant, or a rival faction. Non-human antagonists include forces such as nature, fate, society, or technology. Internal antagonists arise from within the protagonist, including fears, guilt, addiction, or conflicting desires. Structural or institutional antagonists embody systems or organizations that impede the protagonist.

Function in plot: the antagonist creates obstacles, drives the stakes, and provokes confrontation. Through interactions with the protagonist, the antagonist helps reveal themes, test choices, and catalyze growth. A story may feature multiple antagonists or diffuse opposition rather than a single figure.

See also: foil, nemesis, conflict (literary).