Final answer:
A 'rival' refers to a competitor or antagonist in various contexts, representing an opposition or threat, who might be ruthless and determined in their pursuit.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term ”rival” often refers to a competitor or antagonist who challenges another in a pursuit, whether it be for success, acclaim, or a romantic interest. In literature and various contexts, this term encapsulates anyone who is seen as an opposition or threat to the protagonist or main character. The idea of a rival who will stop at nothing can evoke an image of a determined, perhaps even ruthless, adversary. Examples from texts demonstrate the various forms a rival can take, from a suitor vying for affection in a romantic context to a literal enemy in a military or battle scenario, to natural forces depicted as antagonistic, such as wind or stormy weather.