Antagonist

An antagonist is a character or a group of characters which stand in opposition to the protagonist or the main character. The term is derived from the Greek word antagonistes meaning rival, opponent, or competitor. The antagonist's primary goal in any piece of literature is to create conflict for the main characters. The antagonist opposes the protagonist in his endeavors and thus the conflict ensues. Conflict is essential to the furthering of the plot.[1]

An example of an antagonist in film includes Darth Vader from the Star Wars film series. Darth Vader is the opposing character to the protagonists Luke, Han, and Leia.

An unemotional word, opponent refers to someone else or to the other side (Randall 756).This words implies more active oppsition, especially in a struggle for control or power. Adversary usually suggest outright hostility in the conflict (Randall 756). The antagonist was the second most important character and the other contender in the agon, the distate or debate that formed part of a Greek tragedy (Siepman 793). The pricipal oppent or foil of the main character in a drama or narrative (Kuiper 56).

Examples in Literature

In William Shakespeare's Othello Iago is the primary villain who spends much of his time plotting against the protagonist, Othello. He is able to convince Othello that his wife was cheating on him. He later convinces him to kill his wife.

In Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mocking Bird”, Bob Ewell is the primary antagonist. Ewell is convinced that Mayella was guilty of the crime, and spends much of the time ensuring that someone else gets the blame.

Main and Secondary Antagonists

There are two types of antagonists.

See also

• Protagonist

---

Literary Terms

References

<References>

• Kuiper, Kathleen.Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of Literature,1987
• Randall, Bernice.When is a Pig a Hog.Patice Hall, 1991
• Siepman, Katherine.Benet's III Edition Reader's Encyclopedia,1987