"Protagonist" and "Antagonist."

Levels of Distractibility: Who cares? = *. Some people will be distracted from your meaning: = **. Many people will be distracted from your meaning: = ***.

Question: In literature class my teacher is always referring to the "protagonist." I can't ever seem to remember what it means.

Answer: The "protagonist" is the central figure in a drama or novel. Usually the "protagonist" is "for" something," wants something he or she can't have. Remember the "pro" which is a prefix that means "for."

An "antagonist" is against something, an adversary, usually working against the "protagonist," keeping the "protagonist" from getting what he or she wants. Remember "anti-" which means "against."

Rating of Distraction: Not much chance of mixing up these two words. The prefixes say all you need to know.