We explain what antagonism is, the origin of the term and its meaning in biochemistry. Also, what is an antagonist in a story.
What is antagonism?
In general, when we talk about antagonism, we mean a type of relationship of opposition, rivalry or contrariety that occurs within a certain context: usually a story (historical or fictional), or also a relationship between biological organisms or biochemical substances.
The word antagonism is formed from antagonist, a word from Greek words anti- (“opposite” or “contrary”) and agon (“fight”, “combat”), related precisely to agony, that is, the anguish of the dying.
Initially the term was reserved for opponents in war or in some competition, and from there it was figuratively moved to the field of discussions or debates and, therefore, to any story or event in which there are two antagonistic sides, that is, , confronted.
See also: Interpersonal relationships
Antagonist and protagonist
The most common use of the terms antagonism and antagonist comes from narratology, which is the discipline in charge of systematically studying stories. In a narrative there is a tension and confrontation between the desires of the protagonistthe main character of the story around which the narrative revolves, and those of his or her antagoniststhat is, those who oppose the satisfaction of these desires.
Antagonists usually play the role of villains or contenders, but they are not necessarily morally reprehensible (evil), nor do they even have to be human. It can be institutions, animals, nature or simply some rivals within a certain context. In fact, the figure of the antihero (or antagonistic protagonist) is used for stories told from the point of view of the traditional antagonist.
The important thing is that between antagonists and protagonist there is always an opposition that necessarily leads to conflict. If Batman is the protagonist, then the Joker and the Penguin will be his antagonists.
Antagonism in nature
The term antagonist acquires a similar meaning in the field of biology and biochemistry, even pharmacology. To understand it, it is better to start by defining the term agonist: are those substances capable of binding to a cell receptor and triggering certain effects in the cell.
Examples of agonists are our own body's hormones or neurotransmitters, as well as some artificial substances that are part of medical treatments. They are, so to speak, biochemical activating elements.
The effect of these substances is counteracted through the use of antagonist substances: similar biochemical elements, capable of binding to the same cellular receptors without triggering the same effects. This means that the antagonists take the place of agonists, preventing them from generating their effectssince its receivers are busy.
Most of the drugs we consume operate in this way, partially or totally preventing the action of the agonists, in order to regulate or prevent their effects on the body. These antagonists are very specific, occupying a certain place between the cellular receptors, and that is why they are administered with discretionary criteria, that is, specialized professional.
Continue with: Antithesis
References
- “Antagonist (narratology)” on Wikipedia.
- “Antagonist (biochemistry)” on Wikipedia.
- “Protagonist” on Wikipedia.
- “Antagonism” in the Dictionary of the language of the Royal Spanish Academy.
- “Protagonist/antagonist” in the CCH Academic Portal of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
