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The protagonist and antagonist are archetypal characters who represent the two sides of a conflict in literature. They can be human, natural elements, or two sides of the same character. The protagonist seeks to solve the problem while the antagonist opposes their efforts. A narrative must have at least two major roles, including the hero and villain. The main character is not always the protagonist or antagonist, but they provide emotional connection for the audience. Non-fiction narratives can also have protagonists and antagonists, and they can be portrayed through editing techniques.
In literature, a protagonist and an antagonist are archetypal characters who serve as focal points to portray the two sides of a conflict. Archetypes are a symbol or motif of a typical example of a thing or person. The differences between the two characters are defined by the roles the two play within a story. While these roles are often played by two human characters, they can also be portrayed by elements of nature or two sides of the same character.
In general, the protagonist pursues a solution to the problem presented in the story. The antagonists directly oppose the efforts of the protagonists. For example, if the problem is an imminent nuclear reactor meltdown, the protagonist will seek a solution to the crisis, while the antagonist might try to cover up the faulty engineering that contributed to the crisis. He may be trying to thwart the effort to understand the crisis so it can be resolved.
A narrative is not considered dramatically complete unless there is a conflict between at least two major roles portrayed within the story, even though there can only be one actor. The two roles can be two sides of a person, or a natural feature or element that opposes a person’s pursuit, for example. Regardless of their form, these roles always include the protagonist and the antagonist, who are also commonly referred to as the hero and villain.
People, creatures or elements of nature, such as a storm, can play a role of protagonist and antagonist. In some narratives, the antagonist may be a supercellular thunderstorm, while the protagonist is a scientist who sees the storm coming, but is thwarted in his efforts by an opponent to warn the populace. That opponent may not be the antagonist, but another supporting character in the story. This character plays a dramatic role in which the protagonist is hindered, but not directly opposed.
The roles of protagonist and antagonist can also be found in non-fiction narratives. For example, dramatic placement of main characters can occur in a documentary, where two scientists discuss a controversial topic such as global warming. One scientist can be dramatically positioned through editing techniques to be portrayed as the antagonist, while the other is portrayed as the protagonist. Or, both scientists could fill the role of the protagonist, while an altered environment could play the dramatic role of the antagonist threatening the inhabitants of the earth.
The main character often fills the role of protagonist or antagonist, but this is not always the case. In general, the main character is the one through whom the audience sees the story and feels an emotional connection. The obstacle character opposes the main character. For example, a soldier on the battlefield may be the main character through whom the entire narrative of an ongoing war is viewed. It is through his point of view that the story of the protagonist and the antagonist is revealed.
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