English STAAR Practice Test 2025 – The All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

The term that describes a character or force in opposition to the main character is "antagonist." In literature, the antagonist is often presented as the opposing force that creates challenges for the protagonist, who is the main character or hero of the story. This conflict drives the narrative and develops the plot. The antagonist can take various forms, including another character, a group, or even an internal struggle within the protagonist.

Other terms provided do not describe this relationship adequately. The protagonist is the central character, while the setting refers to the environment in which the story takes place. Conflict is a broader term that encompasses the struggle between the protagonist and antagonist, but it does not specifically identify the opposing force. Therefore, "antagonist" is the precise term for a character or force that opposes the main character in a narrative.