In The Wizard of Oz, what term best describes the Wicked Witch of the West's role in the story?

The Wicked Witch of the West serves as the antagonist in "The Wizard of Oz." An antagonist is a character who opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and driving the narrative forward. In this story, Dorothy is the central character striving to find her way home, while the Wicked Witch represents a formidable obstacle to her goals, actively seeking to thwart her efforts.

Throughout the film, the Wicked Witch embodies the themes of evil and opposition that Dorothy must confront. Her actions, such as trying to capture Dorothy and prevent her from achieving her objectives, clearly position her as the primary source of conflict, which is a defining characteristic of an antagonist. This role heightens the stakes of Dorothy's journey and ultimately contributes to her character development as she learns courage and resilience.

In contrast, other roles like protagonist, supporting character, or mentor do not accurately define the Witch's position in the story. The protagonist would be the hero or main character, which is Dorothy, while supporting characters are those who assist the protagonist without being the central focus of the story. A mentor would guide and support the protagonist, which is not the case with the Wicked Witch. Thus, describing her as an antagonist accurately encapsulates her function within the narrative.