noun

antagonist

an-TAG-uh-nist

Antagonist (noun) means the character in a story who stands in the way of the main character and drives the conflict. Example: “The antagonist is her own sister, which makes every scene harder.”

noun

The character in a story who stands in the way of the main character and drives the conflict.

"The antagonist is her own sister, which makes every scene harder."

"A good antagonist believes they are the hero of the story."

A person who actively opposes or fights against someone else.

"He relished his role as the government's chief antagonist."

"The two were antagonists long before the trial began."

technical In medicine and biology, a substance that blocks the action of another, or a muscle that opposes the movement of another.

"The drug acts as an antagonist at the receptor, blocking the usual response."

"The triceps is the antagonist to the biceps during a curl."

How to use antagonist

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe person or thing working against the main character.

When to use it

Neutral; standard in literary criticism, and a precise technical term in pharmacology and anatomy.

Memory tip

In pharmacology, remember the pair: an agonist activates a receptor, an antagonist blocks it.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

protagonist → villain → agonist →

Common pairings

main antagonist the antagonist of the novel political antagonist receptor antagonist

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ is her own sister, which makes every scene harder.

Etymology

From Greek antagōnistēs 'opponent', from anti- 'against' and agōn 'contest'.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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adversary opponent villain foil rival enemy

Antonyms

protagonist hero ally supporter agonist

Related words

friend league match competition enemy hero opposition sub

Rhymes for antagonist

Zionist arsonist cartoonist protagonist illusionist tobacconist abolitionist receptionist nutritionist exhibitionist perfectionist impressionist

See all rhymes for antagonist →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a protagonist and an antagonist?

The protagonist is the character whose goal drives the story and whose choices we follow. The antagonist is the force that opposes that goal. The protagonist is not always likeable, and the antagonist is not always a person: it can be an institution, a storm or the character's own nature.

What is the difference between an antagonist and a villain?

A villain is defined by being morally bad, while an antagonist is defined only by opposing the protagonist. A loving parent blocking a reckless plan is an antagonist without being a villain, and a villain who never obstructs the hero is not the story's antagonist.

Can a story have more than one antagonist?

Yes. Long novels and series often set several opposing forces against the protagonist, and a story can pair a personal antagonist with a larger impersonal one such as poverty or war.

What is the meaning of antagonist?

"antagonist" (noun) means the character in a story who stands in the way of the main character and drives the conflict.

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