Final answer:
The character type also known as the antihero is the protagonist who lacks traditional heroic qualities but still earns the reader's sympathy. Examples include Deadpool, who, despite questionable behavior, is perceived as fighting for a cause.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character type that is also called the antihero is a kind of protagonist who doesn't possess the typical heroic traits we expect, such as moral fortitude, courage, and virtue. Unlike a traditional hero, the antihero often has flaws and engages in morally dubious behavior that a classic hero would not. The reader, however, still tends to sympathize with the antihero, typically because they are the central character of the story and could have a sense of justice that aligns with the reader's moral views, despite their unconventional methods. A widely recognized example is Deadpool, who, though crude and violent, fights against what many would consider greater evils.
An antagonist, on the other hand, is a character, group, or force that stands in opposition to the protagonist, challenging them and providing obstacles within the narrative.
It is worth noting that other characters like the foil or the tragic hero serve different narrative purposes. A foil exists to highlight the traits of the main character through contrast, while a tragic hero is a character who falls from grace due to a tragic flaw.