What is the role of an antagonist in a narrative?

The role of an antagonist in a narrative is to create conflict, serving as a character or force that opposes the main character, often referred to as the protagonist. This opposition is crucial as it drives the story forward, presenting challenges that the protagonist must face and overcome. The antagonist can take many forms, including a person, a group, or even abstract forces, such as societal norms or internal struggles. By presenting obstacles and challenges, the antagonist adds depth to the narrative, allowing for character development and thematic exploration. This conflict is essential for engaging readers and maintaining tension throughout the story.

The other roles mentioned, such as the hero, narrator, and setting, do not encapsulate the specific function of opposition that defines an antagonist's role. The hero is typically the protagonist, the narrator's role is to convey the story, and the setting influences the plot but does not interact with the protagonist in the same direct manner as an antagonist does.