Analyzing and Interpreting Literature / Unit 11 AIL 1003 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Protagonist and Antagonist
Captions available
The idea
The glossary gives protagonist as the main character in a work, and antagonist as the character whose dramatic role is to oppose the protagonist. Role is the operative word in the second: an antagonist is defined by function, not by being unpleasant.
In practice
Defined by role, not by morals.
Where people slip
An antagonist need not be a villain.
Your place on the trail
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