English Literature GCSE
Antagonist
What Antagonist means in English Literature GCSE, as defined for OCR.
Definitions of Antagonist
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
A character who actively opposes the protagonist. While Helen is the primary source of conflict for Jo, it could be argued that the true antagonist is society itself.
The character who opposes the protagonist. While Shylock is the primary antagonist, it is important to analyse how Shakespeare complicates this role.
Topics that use Antagonist
- A Taste of Honey (OCR GCSE)
- The Merchant of Venice (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
Using Antagonist in the exam
Definition questions usually carry one or two marks, and examiners look for the precise wording. Write the definition from memory, check it against the version above, and then use the term in a longer answer on the same topic so it sticks.
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