Question

The person, idea, force, or set of circumstances that opposes the central character of a story is the __________.

Answer 1

Antagonist

The antagonist is what goes against the main character of the story. The prefix ant- means against. The antagonist causes the main conflict in the story. The main conflict can be external (outside of the character). For example, when two characters go against each other, or the main character needs to survive in a harsh climate. The conflict can also be internal - within the main character's head. Often this internal conflict is caused due to a difficult decision the character must make.

Answer 2

The antagonist is aginst the central character, not the "bad" or "good" guy the Antagonist is just the opposing force in the story.