Antagonist

Character Role Analysis

The Dragon

Like Redcrosse, the Dragon at the end of book I is pretty much your classic antagonist; dragons have a long history of existing in the Western imagination as the ultimate powerful monster. Dragon and antagonist are almost synonymous. Also, dragons were also considered to have a connection to the Satan, since he disguises himself as a serpent when he snuck into the garden of Eden and convinced Eve to eat the apple.

Since Redcrosse embodies true religious belief, it's safe to say that this dragon represents the opposite. His downfall is the symbolic triumph of Christian faith over the destruction and desolation of Satan and the violence he represents.