What distinguishes a protagonist from an antagonist?

A protagonist is typically defined as the main character in a narrative, around whom the story revolves. This character often faces challenges and undergoes significant development throughout the plot. In contrast, an antagonist serves as a foil to the protagonist, creating conflict by opposing the protagonist's goals, desires, or actions. This opposition is essential for driving the plot forward and developing the themes of the story.

While it is true that protagonists are not strictly confined to being 'good' and antagonists to being 'evil,' option A accurately captures the fundamental relationship between these two character types without making sweeping generalizations or assumptions about character morality or development. The essence of their distinction lies in their roles within the story: one is at the forefront, leading the narrative journey, while the other creates obstacles that must be navigated, encouraging growth and change in the protagonist.