The force organized against the protagonist's goal - a person, an institution, or the flaw within.
The antagonist is whatever pushes back: a rival, a system, a storm, an addiction. It doesn't require malice - it requires opposition, ideally the kind purpose-built to press on the protagonist's specific weakness.
A useful check: your antagonist should be the hero of their own version of the story. Opposition with its own logic escalates; a cackling obstacle just repeats.
Plan with 30+ story frameworks, write your screenplay or novel, and let Quill coach every beat - it guides and never writes. Free account, no card.
