What is an antagonast?

Answer 1

An antagonist is a character or force in a story that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and driving the plot. This opposition can come in various forms, such as a villain, a rival, or even an internal struggle within the protagonist. Antagonists are essential for developing themes and character arcs, as their actions challenge the protagonist and force them to grow or change. In broader contexts, the term can also refer to substances that inhibit or counteract the effects of another substance, such as in pharmacology.