Understanding Protagonist and Antagonist

In literature, the term 'protagonist' refers to the main character in a story, often facing challenges that drive the narrative. In contrast, an 'antagonist' presents obstacles to the protagonist, creating conflict and tension within the plot. In a narrative, the relationship between the protagonist and antagonist is vital for establishing the thematic depth of the story. Therefore, in analyzing the role of these characters, one might conclude that the antagonist serves to __________ the protagonist's journey.

Select the word that best completes the sentence.