Which term denotes the characters who oppose the protagonist in a narrative?

The term that denotes the characters who oppose the protagonist in a narrative is "antagonist." The antagonist is typically in conflict with the protagonist, creating tension and driving the plot forward. This opposition can take various forms, such as a person, a group, or even an internal struggle within the protagonist.

In narratives, antagonists are essential because they challenge the protagonist and help to illustrate their journey, motivations, and growth. Their roles can vary significantly; they may embody evil or represent obstacles that the protagonist must overcome, thereby enriching the story and adding depth to character development.

The other choices refer to different narrative roles: the protagonist is the central character around whom the story revolves, supporting characters assist the protagonist in their journey, and a foil is a character that contrasts with another character, typically the protagonist, to highlight particular qualities or traits. These roles contribute to the narrative but do not fulfill the specific function of opposition that the antagonist embodies.