Here's a breakdown:
* Characters: The individuals who populate a story. They can be human, animal, supernatural beings, or even abstract concepts.
* Protagonist: The main character of the story. They are often the ones driving the plot and facing the primary conflict. They are not always the "good guy" but are the character the audience is meant to focus on and relate to.
* Antagonist: The character who opposes the protagonist. They are often the source of the conflict and create obstacles for the protagonist. Like protagonists, antagonists are not always "bad guys" but are the force the protagonist must overcome.
It's important to remember that characters can be more complex than just "good" or "bad". A protagonist might have flaws or make questionable choices, while an antagonist might have motivations that are understandable or even sympathetic.