An antagonist is a person or force that opposes the main character in a story or works against someone’s goals. In biology, it can mean a substance or muscle that acts against another.
From Greek 'antagōnistēs' meaning 'opponent' or 'rival', from 'anti-' (against) + 'agōnistēs' (competitor). It passed into English through Latin and French literary and scientific language.
In stories, the antagonist isn’t always a villain; it’s simply whatever pushes back against the hero. Your own 'antagonists' in life can be people, systems, or even your own habits.
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