An antagonist is a character or force in a story that opposes the protagonist, the main character. Here are some key definitions:
In Literature and Film:
* Character: A character whose goals or values conflict with the protagonist's, creating tension and conflict in the narrative.
* Force: An opposing force, such as nature, societal pressures, or internal struggles, that the protagonist must overcome.
In Biology:
* Muscle: A muscle that works in opposition to another muscle, creating movement.
* Drug: A substance that blocks the action of another substance, such as a neurotransmitter.
In General:
* Opponent: Someone who actively opposes or competes with another.
Examples of Antagonists:
* Darth Vader (Star Wars) - opposes Luke Skywalker
* Voldemort (Harry Potter) - opposes Harry Potter
* The Joker (Batman) - opposes Batman
* The Wicked Witch of the West (The Wizard of Oz) - opposes Dorothy
It's important to remember that an antagonist isn't always a villain. They can be complex characters with their own motivations and justifications for their actions.