Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

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Prepare for the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each question. Achieve success on your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What role does the antagonist play in a story?

Helps the protagonist
Represents the main theme
Blocks the protagonist from achieving their goals
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.