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What Is an Antagonist in Literature? (Definition)
An antagonist is a character or force that works against the objectives of the protagonist, or the central character of a story. While the protagonist drives the action forward, the antagonist creates conflict and obstacles that the protagonist must overcome. The antagonist is not always a villain. In some cases, the antagonist could be a loved one with different goals, a natural force like a storm, or even an internal struggle within the protagonist’s own mind. What matters is that the antagonist serves as the opposing force that challenges and shapes the protagonist’s journey. Without antagonists, most stories would lack tension and growth, since characters need resistance to change or reveal their true selves.
Examples of Antagonists
Example 1: Iago in Othello
In Shakespeare’s Othello, Iago is the wicked ensign who becomes the antagonist by preying on Othello’s insecurities. Iago spreads falsehoods about Desdemona’s fidelity, fueling Othello’s jealousy until it destroys his marriage and life. Iago’s strength lies in his deceit and his ability to twist others’ perceptions. His role highlights how destructive envy and manipulation can be, making him one of literature’s most chilling antagonists.
Example 2: The Monster in Frankenstein
Mary Shelley’s portrayal of Victor Frankenstein’s Monster complicates the role of antagonist. After Victor abandons him, the Monster seeks revenge by destroying everything Victor loves. The Monster is indeed frightening and causes real destruction, but he is also deeply sympathetic. Shelley forces readers to question who the true antagonist is—Victor, with his reckless ambition, or the Monster, whose violence only stems from rejection. By blurring the lines, Shelley shows how antagonists can embody emotional conflict, rather than just being a foil for the hero.
Example 3: The Republic of Gilead in The Handmaid’s Tale
The antagonist of Margaret Atwood’s novel is not a single person, but rather the oppressive regime of the Republic of Gilead. The novel draws on the tools used by real, historical totalitarian regimes to deny personhood to their citizens. Gileadean law determines what the protagonist Offred must do, who she must sleep with, where she must live, who she can talk to, even what she must wear.
Some readers may assume that Serena Joy, the Commander’s wife, is Offred’s main antagonist since she is often cruel and controlling. However, Serena is also oppressed by Gilead’s patriarchal regime, and she suffers under the patriarchy even while perpetuating it. Atwood uses Serena Joy to show how antagonists don’t have to be villains in the traditional sense—sometimes, they are complicit participants in oppressive systems, making them both victims and enforcers.
Common Misunderstandings about Antagonists
A common misunderstanding is that antagonists must always be evil. While some may be malevolent masterminds like Iago, others may genuinely believe they are doing what is right. For example, in Pride and Prejudice Mrs. Bennet pressures Elizabeth to marry for financial security rather than love. She genuinely believes she is acting in her daughter’s best interest, since securing advantageous marriages was one of the few ways women could achieve stability in Jane Austen’s society.
Another misconception is that there can only be one antagonist. Multiple antagonistic forces often appear in literature: a rival character, cultural expectations, and internal doubts can all work against the protagonist simultaneously. Similarly, it’s a mistake to believe all antagonists must be human. Natural disasters, illnesses, or even time itself can act as antagonists in a story.
Why Do Antagonists Matter?
Antagonists matter because they bring depth to stories. Without them, a protagonist would face no obstacles, leaving the narrative flat and uninteresting. Antagonists push protagonists to grow, change, and discover their strengths and weaknesses. They reflect the fears or desires the central character must confront. On a larger scale, antagonists often symbolize bigger forces—corruption, injustice, or prejudice—that the story critiques.
For readers, antagonists create tension and emotional investment. We keep reading to see whether the protagonist can overcome the challenges placed before them. At the same time, antagonists remind us that conflict in life is rarely simple; opposing forces may have their own valid perspectives or sympathetic motivations.
