Characters, forces, or substances that actively oppose or compete with protagonists or main characters. In biology and medicine, refers to substances that block or counteract the action of other substances.
From Greek 'antagonistes' meaning 'competitor, rival,' from 'anti-' (against) + 'agonistes' (contestant, from 'agon' meaning contest). Entered English in the late 16th century through literary and later scientific usage.
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