Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

Who are the antagonists in fictional stories?

1. Characters who stand in the way of protagonist accomplishing their goals

2. Characters with a range of personality traits

3. Main characters

4. Characters who do not change over time

The correct answer is: Characters who stand in the way of protagonist accomplishing their goals

The correct answer identifies antagonists as characters who stand in the way of the protagonist accomplishing their goals. This role is fundamental in storytelling, as antagonists create conflict and challenge the main character. By opposing the protagonist, they drive the narrative forward and contribute to the development of the plot. Their actions and motivations often force the protagonist to confront obstacles and grow, ultimately enriching the story. The other options, while they refer to different aspects of character development, do not encompass the essence of what defines an antagonist. Characters with a wide array of personality traits can include both protagonists and antagonists, as complexity is not exclusive to any one group within a story. Main characters can be antagonists or protagonists, but the term itself does not specifically identify them as the opposing force. Lastly, while some characters may remain static throughout a story, this characteristic does not inherently define an antagonist.