Final answer:
In Shakespeare's play Othello, Iago acts as the antagonist, standing in direct opposition to the protagonist, Othello, and personifying a traditional form of malice and deception that drives the main conflict of the storyline.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Shakespeare's Othello, the character who serves as the antagonist is Iago. Iago is the malicious ensign who manipulates other characters and engineers the downfall of Othello, the play's protagonist. Unlike other antagonists, who may embody a corporation, societal norms, or an internal struggle, Iago represents a traditional, personalized form of evil, one that operates through deceit and treachery to oppose Othello directly.
The antagonist's role is to stand as an opposing force to the protagonist, creating the central conflict of the story. As Iago's devious plans unfold, he increasingly embodies this role, showcasing how antagonists can be multi-faceted, complex characters.
It's important that while the protagonist, like Othello, aims to resolve the main conflict and overcome obstacles, the antagonist functions to intensify those challenges, often driven by their own motivations and characteristics.