Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

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Study for the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment Test. Explore flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Excel in your teaching career!

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What role does the antagonist play in a story?

  1. Helps the protagonist

  2. Represents the main theme

  3. Blocks the protagonist from achieving their goals

  4. Provides comic relief

The correct answer is: Blocks the protagonist from achieving their goals

The antagonist serves a crucial function in a narrative by creating conflict for the protagonist. By blocking the protagonist from achieving their goals, the antagonist intensifies the story’s central struggles and challenges. This opposition is essential because it drives the plot forward, pushing the protagonist to confront obstacles that lead to growth, change, or resolution. The presence of the antagonist allows readers to engage with the tension in the story, rooting for the protagonist while becoming invested in their journey to overcome significant challenges. This dynamic also deepens the overall narrative by highlighting themes of good versus evil, perseverance, and moral complexity.