Final answer:
Antonio in Shakespeare's play is depicted as both a sailor and a hero for rescuing Sebastian from a shipwreck and helping Viola under a mistaken identity. His actions are heroic and pivotal to the story, making him the opposite of a villain.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of William Shakespeare's play, Antonio is depicted as a sailor who performs significant heroic acts. He is responsible for rescuing Sebastian, one of the twins, from a shipwreck and later saves Viola (mistakenly thinking she is Sebastian) from a fight. This establishes Antonio as a heroic figure within the narrative, particularly in contrast to his acts of friendship and rescue.
His role is multifaceted. While he initially seems to be just a sailor, his actions portray him more as a hero for his involvement in saving Sebastian and helping Viola. Antonio is certainly the opposite of a villain—his interventions are pivotal to the survival of the twins and the unfolding of the play's events. Therefore, the correct answer to the role of Antonio in the story would be that he is both a sailor and a hero.