Final answer:
In "Hansel and Gretel" by the Brothers Grimm, the antagonist is usually the witch or stepmother, characters that create obstacles and conflict for the protagonists, Hansel and Gretel.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the excerpt from "Hansel and Gretel" by the Brothers Grimm, the character who appears to be the antagonist of the story is typically the witch or stepmother, depending on the part of the story being referred to. An antagonist is a character, group, thing, or event that stands in opposition to the protagonist, creating conflict within the narrative. In the case of "Hansel and Gretel," if we examine traditional versions of the story, the witch, with her deceitful nature and intention to harm the children, is a clear example of an antagonist. She embodies evil characteristics and poses a significant threat to the well-being of the main characters, Hansel and Gretel, who are the protagonists. The stepmother could also be seen as an antagonist due to her role in initiating the events that lead to the children being lost in the woods.