Antagonist

Character Role Analysis

Sam (ditto)

Sam's much easier to identify with in the play, but we're calling him the antagonist because he's the force that Hally comes up against. The antagonist throws up obstacles in the protagonist's way, but Sam's not the classic antagonist like a villain. What are the obstacles Sam throws in front of Hally? Well, compassion, for one. And maturity and patience. He's trying to prevent Hally from growing up bitter, ashamed, and bigoted. That's the kind of antagonist we could all use. Honestly, the character roles of Sam and Hally could easily be reversed, and you could make a great argument for it. Do it.