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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 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. | 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== | ||