Creative Writing Practice Exam

The role of an antagonist in a story is crucial as it introduces conflict, which is essential for driving the narrative forward. An antagonist typically opposes the protagonist, thereby creating obstacles that the protagonist must overcome. This opposition can manifest in various forms—be it another character, a group, or even an internal struggle within the protagonist themselves. By challenging the protagonist's goals, the antagonist helps to establish the stakes of the story and can illuminate the protagonist's traits and growth as the plot unfolds.

In this context, the other options do not accurately reflect the character's role in driving the narrative. For instance, a character who assists the protagonist is usually referred to as a sidekick or ally, while a narrative device that resolves conflict belongs more to the story's structure rather than a character's role. Lastly, a character expressing the protagonist's thoughts typically serves as a narrative technique and does not embody the opposing force that defines the antagonist's role. Thus, acknowledging the antagonist's opposition to the protagonist is essential for understanding how conflict operates within storytelling.