Question

The antonym of the word protagonist is ________.

• A. agnostic
• B. antagonist
• C. arsonist
• D. anarchist

Hint:

Think about the character in a story who opposes the hero; the prefix "ant-" means against.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understand the word "protagonist".
A protagonist is the main character in a story, novel, or play who drives the action forward. The word comes from Greek roots meaning "first actor".

Step 2: Recall what an antonym means.
An antonym is a word that has the opposite meaning of a given word. We need a word that means the opposite of the "main character" or "hero" of a story.

Step 3: Find the direct opposite.
In literature, the character who opposes or works against the protagonist is called the antagonist. The antagonist creates conflict and stands in the way of the protagonist's goals. This makes antagonist the exact opposite of protagonist.

Step 4: Check option (A) agnostic.
An agnostic is a person who believes that the existence of God cannot be known for sure. This word has nothing to do with a story's main character, so it is incorrect.

Step 5: Check option (C) arsonist.
An arsonist is a person who deliberately sets fire to property. This is unrelated to the meaning of protagonist, so it is incorrect.

Step 6: Check option (D) anarchist.
An anarchist is a person who believes in the abolition of government and authority. This word also has no connection to the idea of a story's hero, so it is incorrect.

Final Answer:
The word that means the opposite of protagonist is antagonist. \[ \boxed{\text{antagonist}} \]