Who is the antagonist in “Romeo and Juliet”?

In "Romeo and Juliet," the antagonist is considered to be Tybalt. He is a hot-headed and aggressive member of the Capulet family who constantly seeks to fight the Montagues. Tybalt's hatred of Romeo is a significant driving force of the play's conflict, as he seeks to challenge him to a duel and eventually kills Romeo's friend, Mercutio. This act sets off a chain of events that leads to Romeo's banishment and, ultimately, the tragic ending of the play.

Tybalt's aggression and desire for revenge make him a formidable adversary to Romeo and Juliet's happiness. However, it is important to note that the conflict in the play is not simply a matter of two families at war. The broader societal structures and prejudices that fuel the feud are also part of the play's antagonist. The pressure from their families to conform to the longstanding feud and expectations placed on them by their society ultimately leads to Romeo and Juliet's tragic end.

Furthermore, one could argue that fate itself serves as an antagonist in "Romeo and Juliet." The young lovers' story is ultimately a tragedy, in which circumstances conspire against them despite their best efforts to be together. The power of fate, which is often portrayed as a force beyond human control in Shakespeare's plays, serves as a constant obstacle to Romeo and Juliet's happiness, ultimately leading to their untimely deaths.