Protagonist vs Antagonist - What's the Difference?

If you’re interested in storytelling, you’ve probably come across the terms protagonist and antagonist. These two characters lie at the heart of every story, from fairy tales to thrillers to sweeping historical dramas.

But what exactly do they mean? And more importantly, how do they differ? Whether you're reading for pleasure, writing your own story, or just curious about how stories work, getting to grips with these roles can give you a deeper understanding of what makes a narrative tick.

Jump to:

The protagonist is the main character of a story, the one we follow most closely. When someone talks about “the hero” of a tale, they’re usually talking about the protagonist.

How to identify the protagonist in a story:

The antagonist creates conflict, tension, and obstacles. They don’t have to be evil or villainous, but they do need to oppose the protagonist in some significant way. It’s important to remember that an antagonist isn’t always a person, and they’re not always bad.

The antagonist could be:

The protagonist pushes the story forward, while the antagonist pushes back. That push and pull is the engine of the plot. It’s not about good versus evil, it’s about conflicting objectives.

A protagonist can be deeply flawed or morally ambiguous, and an antagonist can be well-meaning or even heroic in their own eyes. What matters most is the tension between them.

Looking at well-known stories can help bring the protagonist versus antagonist relationship to life. Here are a few classic examples:

In each case, the antagonist challenges the protagonist’s values, beliefs, or goals in powerful and personal ways. These relationships fuel the story’s tension and make the stakes feel real. Without that central conflict, the story simply wouldn’t have the same impact.

A well-written protagonist draws readers into the story and keeps them emotionally invested. Keep these key elements in mind when developing your main character.

An antagonist should add tension, depth, and urgency to your story. Here’s how to make them just as compelling as your protagonist.

A protagonist can become unlikeable if they’re selfish, passive, or lack clear motivation. However, an unlikeable protagonist can still be compelling if their flaws are realistic, their growth is meaningful, or their situation is emotionally engaging. Readers don’t always need to like a character to want to follow their journey; they just need to find them interesting.

Think about Walter White in Breaking Bad, or Amy Dunne in Gone Girl. These are protagonists because the story revolves around them, even though they behave in ways that most people would consider wrong, even evil. In this case, the term anti-hero might apply.

Protagonists often experience the greatest transformation in a story. This change, known as a character arc, is usually the result of challenges, choices, or revelations. Their evolution is what gives many stories emotional impact and meaning.

While many stories are told from the protagonist’s point of view, some are narrated by secondary characters or told from an omniscient perspective. The protagonist remains the central figure driving the plot, even if they’re not the one telling the story.

Think about Will and Marcus in About a Boy, or Elsa and Anna in Frozen. These stories give equal weight to multiple characters, often exploring different perspectives or intersecting arcs.

The antagonist doesn't have to be evil; they just need to be in conflict with the protagonist’s goals. In Les Misérables, Inspector Javert is technically the antagonist to Jean Valjean, but his motivations are rooted in law and justice.

This shift happens quite often in literature and film. When the story focuses on the former antagonist’s perspective, they can take on the role of protagonist, especially if their motivations are explored in more depth. An example is Maleficent, where the supposed villain from Sleeping Beauty becomes the central character with her own story.

Some stories focus more on internal conflict or character development than traditional hero-versus-villain plots. In these cases, the antagonist might be an internal struggle, such as doubt, grief, or fear, rather than an opposing character. These stories often explore psychological or emotional themes.

Ready to write your own unforgettable protagonist and antagonist? The Novel Writing Diploma Course at the Centre of Excellence is the perfect next step. The course is designed for writers of all levels and covers every stage of writing a novel, from initial idea to final polish. For a limited time, you can enrol for a discounted price of £29!