What defines an antagonist in a story?

An antagonist is defined as a character who opposes the protagonist, creating conflict in the narrative. This opposition can take many forms, ranging from direct confrontation to more subtle forms of opposition, and is essential for developing the storyline. The presence of the antagonist typically challenges the protagonist, leading to their growth and the overall progression of the plot.

For instance, in classic literature and film, the struggle between the protagonist and the antagonist drives the narrative forward, often leading to pivotal moments of tension and drama. This conflict can reveal the protagonist's strengths and weaknesses, ultimately making their journey more compelling and dynamic.

The other options do not accurately describe the role of an antagonist. For instance, a character providing comic relief serves a different narrative function and is usually not directly opposing the main character. Similarly, characters who help the hero achieve their goals or change significantly over the course of the story could be allies or protagonists themselves, rather than antagonists.