Antagonist
/ænˈtæɡ.ən.ɪst/noun
A character or force in conflict with the main character in a story.
Did you know?The term 'antagonist' originates from a word meaning 'to struggle against,' reflecting the eternal battle between forces in both literature and reality.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀνταγωνιστής (antagonistēs)
“One who contends against, a competitor in a struggle.”
Late Latin
Latin
antagonista
“A rival, opponent, or adversary.”
Old French
Old French
antagoniste
“An opponent or adversary in a narrative or conflict.”
14th Century
Middle English
antagonist
“A character or force opposing the protagonist in a story.”
Modern English
English
antagonist
“A character in a story who opposes the protagonist, often embodying conflict.”
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