We explain what antagonism is, the origin of the term and its meaning in biochemistry. Also, what is an antagonist in a story.
What is antagonism?
In general, when we speak of antagonism, we refer to a type of relationship of opposition, rivalry or disagreement that occurs within a context determined: usually a story (historical or fictional), or also a relationship between organisms biological or substances biochemicals.
The word antagonism is formed from antagonist, a word from the Greek words anti- ("Opposite" or "opposite") and agon ("Fight", "combat"), related precisely to agony, that is, the anguish of the dying.
Initially the term was reserved for opponents in the war or in some competence, and from there it figuratively moved to the field of discussions or debates and, therefore, to any story or event in which there are two antagonistic sides, that is, facing each other.
Antagonist and protagonist
The most common use of the terms antagonism and antagonist comes from narratology, which is the discipline in charge of systematically studying stories. In a narration there is a tension and confrontation between the wishes of the protagonist, the character main story around which the narrative revolves, and those of his or her antagonists, that is, those who oppose the satisfaction of these desires.
The antagonists normally play the role of villains or contenders, but they are not necessarily morally reprehensible (evil), nor do they even have to be humans. It can be about institutions, animals, the nature or just some rivals within a certain context. In fact, the figure of the antihero (or antagonistic protagonist) is used for the stories told from the point of view of the traditional antagonist.
The important thing is that between antagonists and protagonist there is always an opposition that necessarily leads to conflict. If Batman is the protagonist, then the Joker and the Penguin will be his antagonists.
Antagonism in nature
The term antagonist acquires a similar meaning in the field of biology and the biochemistry, even pharmacology. To understand it, it is better to start by defining the term agonist: they are those substances capable of binding to a cell receptor and triggering certain effects in the cell.
Examples of agonists are our own body's hormones or neurotransmitters, as well as some artificial substances that are part of medical treatments. They are, so to speak, activating biochemical elements.
The effect of these substances is counteracted through the use of antagonistic substances: similar biochemical elements, capable of binding to the same cell receptors without triggering the same effects. This means that antagonists take the place of agonists, preventing them from generating their effects, since their receptors are occupied.
Most of the drugs we consume operate in this way, partially or totally preventing the action of agonists, in order to regulate or prevent their effects in the body. These antagonists are very specific, occupying a certain place among cell receptors, and for that reason they are administered with a discretionary criterion, that is, a specialized professional.