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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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language 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 in his endeavors and thus the conflict ensues. Conflict is essential to the furthering of the plot. | 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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language 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 in his endeavors and thus the conflict ensues. Conflict is essential to the furthering of the plot. | ||
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 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. | ||
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==Examples in Literature== | ==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 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. | 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== | ==Main and Secondary Antagonists== | ||