Types of Antagonists: The Six Sources of Literary Conflict

Every story needs conflict, and who better to deliver it than a provocative antagonist? Think antagonist, and our heads typically fill with images of sneering rivals, cartoonish villains, and diabolical madmen. But antagonists aren't limited to characters with an attitude problem.

An antagonist is anyone or anything that impedes the protagonist, the main character of the story, and her goals. Antagonists come from the traditional four sources of conflict in literature-character, nature, society, and self-and from the newer additions to these sources-supernatural and machine. An antagonist may frustrate the protagonist for only a few pages (a wicked thunderstorm, for instance) or remain a threat for the entire novel. Taking advantage of the varied sources for conflict can help keep a story riveting.

Antagonist Type One: Character

When we think of antagonists, characters like Voldemort, Iago, or Grendel tend to pop into mind. But antagonistic characters need not be evil, or even possess a trace amount of cruelty. All a character needs to do is challenge the protagonist's needs or wants. For example, in a contest where there can only be one winner, a character's best friend could be his antagonist.

Antagonist Type Two: Nature

Man versus nature is a common motif in literature. Wild weather, harsh terrain, or raging seas can all hamper the protagonist from achieving her goal. Nature is a fearsome antagonist, surrounding the protagonist in unexpected and often life-threatening ways.

Antagonist Type Three: Society

Nature isn't the only entity that can disturb a protagonist's entire environment. When a character confronts a faceless enemy, she might be battling against society. Society can include institutions, cultures, governments, and societal norms. An iconoclastic protagonist often challenges society in an effort to make the world a better place.

Antagonist Type Four: Self

Characters can experience self-doubt or battle against mental illness, personality flaws, their morals, and more. Any internal struggle the protagonist faces can qualify as an antagonist. Almost all protagonists struggle with their emotions or question their actions at some point in a story.

Antagonist Type Five: Supernatural

Supernatural isn't always included in the sources of literary conflict. Supernatural is essentially nature which cannot be explained by science. Antagonists here can include supernatural beings (ghosts, demons, angels, and more) and circumstances (curses, miracles, spells, divine punishment, and more).

Antagonist Type Six: Machine

Another nontraditional literary conflict source, machines are an ever-growing source of compelling antagonists. As technology progresses, our imaginations grow wild with scenarios of our advances one day turning against us. Sentient computers or robots are common examples of machine antagonists.

Sources:

Canada, Mark. "All American: Glossary of Literary Terms." http://www.uncp.edu/home/canada/work/allam/general/glossary.htm

Stanchek, Christopher. "The Nature of the Antagonist." http://www.lessonplanspage.com/LACIVillainAntagonistCharacterAnalysis1012.htm

"The Seven Basic Conflicts." http://everything2.com/index.pl?like_id=1435776&node_id=1435775&op=ilikeit