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Antagonist: Difference between revisions
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An '''antagonist''' is a character or a group of characters which stand in opposition to the [[protagonist]] or the main character.<ref>[http://literarydevices.net/antagonist/ LiteraryDevices.net, "Antagonist." Online. April 9, 2014.]</ref> The term is derived from the | An '''antagonist''' is a [[character]] or a group of characters which stand in opposition to the [[protagonist]] or the main character.<ref>[http://literarydevices.net/antagonist/ LiteraryDevices.net, "Antagonist." Online. April 9, 2014.]</ref> The term is derived from the Greek word ''antagonistes'' meaning rival, opponent, or competitor.<ref>[http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-an-antagonist.htm WiseGeek.com, "What is an Antagonist?" Online. April 9, 2014.]</ref> The antagonist's primary goal in any piece of [[literature]] is to create [[conflict]] for the main characters. The antagonist opposes the protagonist's ventures, and therefore creates conflict for the story. Conflict is essential to the furthering of the plot. | ||
The antagonist is the opponent to the main character. Opponent refers to someone else or to the other side. This word implies more active opposition, especially in a struggle for control or power. Adversary usually suggest outright hostility in the conflict.<ref>Randall, Bernice (2007), ''When is a Pig a Hog'': Patice Hall, p. 756 ff</ref> | The antagonist is the opponent to the main character. Opponent refers to someone else or to the other side. This word implies more active opposition, especially in a struggle for control or power. Adversary usually suggest outright hostility in the conflict.<ref>Randall, Bernice (2007), ''When is a Pig a Hog'': Patice Hall, p. 756 ff</ref> | ||
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==Main and Secondary Antagonists== | ==Main and Secondary Antagonists== | ||
There are two types of antagonists that can appear in literature. Main, or primary antagonists, are the central villain in a story. The secondary antagonists act as a threat to the protagonist, but not to the extent of the primary antagonist. An example of a secondary antagonist would be General Tarkin in ''Star Wars''. | There are two types of antagonists that can appear in literature. Main antagonists, or primary antagonists, are the central villain in a story. The secondary antagonists act as a threat to the protagonist, but not to the extent of the primary antagonist. An example of a secondary antagonist would be General Tarkin in ''Star Wars''. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||