# antagonist

/ænˈtæɡənəst/ (US) · /æntˈæɡənˌɪst/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/antagonist
Updated: 2026-05-04

## Definition

the main character who opposes the hero in a story, film, or play. You use this word to describe the person creating conflict for the main character.

For teachers: the character or force that opposes the protagonist in a narrative work. In literature and drama, it represents the primary source of conflict.

## Examples

- The antagonist tries to stop the hero from winning.
- In the novel, the antagonist is a corrupt politician who blocks the hero's plans.
- The antagonist's complex motivations transformed him from a simple villain into a tragic figure driven by personal loss.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.