English Literary Terms Questions Medium
The protagonist and antagonist are two essential characters in a literary work, often found in narratives such as novels, plays, or movies. While both characters play significant roles in the story, they have distinct characteristics and purposes.
The protagonist is the central character or the main character around whom the story revolves. They are typically the hero or heroine of the narrative and are usually portrayed as the character with whom the audience sympathizes or supports. The protagonist is often faced with challenges, conflicts, or obstacles that they must overcome throughout the story. Their actions and decisions drive the plot forward and lead to the resolution of the conflict. The protagonist is usually depicted as having positive qualities, such as courage, determination, or moral integrity.
On the other hand, the antagonist is the character or force that opposes the protagonist. They create conflict and obstacles for the protagonist, acting as the primary source of tension in the story. The antagonist can be a person, a group of people, an animal, nature, or even an abstract concept. Their main purpose is to create opposition and challenge the protagonist's goals or desires. The antagonist often possesses negative qualities, such as greed, jealousy, or malevolence, and their actions and motivations are in direct conflict with those of the protagonist.
In summary, the protagonist is the central character who drives the story forward and is typically portrayed in a positive light, while the antagonist is the character or force that opposes the protagonist and creates conflict. The protagonist's actions and decisions lead to the resolution of the conflict, while the antagonist's actions and motivations create obstacles and tension throughout the narrative.