Fictional antagonists are characters who oppose the protagonist, creating conflict and driving the narrative forward. They can take many forms, from supervillains in comic books to tragic figures in literature, each serving to challenge the hero's journey and growth. These characters often embody traits that highlight the protagonist's strengths and weaknesses. Whether through cunning, brute force, or manipulation, fictional antagonists play a crucial role in storytelling, making them essential for creating tension and engaging audiences in various media, including films, novels, and video games.