Antagonist

Character Role Analysis

The Law

It seems obvious that the guy who was attacking Thelma would be the antagonist, but since the film didn't end when he was shot, a new antagonist or negative force had to take over. In this case, it's a little more abstract than a creepy dude.

Remember when Louise said no one's going to believe what the women say? There's something wrong with the world then, isn't there? Thelma and Louise are fighting the law, and though they're not completely innocent, they deserve a fair trial. But they're smart enough to know they're not going to get one. Hence, the patriarchal law—or the law that favors men in sexual assault trials—is the antagonist.