Archenemy
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In literature, an archenemy (sometimes spelled as arch-enemy) is the main enemy of someone. In fiction, it is a character who is the protagonist's, commonly a
hero A hero (feminine: heroine) is a real person or a main fictional character who, in the face of danger, combats adversity through feats of ingenuity, courage, or strength. Like other formerly gender-specific terms (like ''actor''), ''her ...
's, most prominent and most-known enemy.


Etymology

The word ''archenemy'' sometimes spelled as ''arch-enemy'' originated around the mid-16th century, from the words ''arch-'' (from Greek ἄρχω ''archo'' meaning 'to lead') and ''enemy''. An archenemy may also be referred to as an archrival, archfoe, archvillain, or archnemesis. However, an archenemy may also be distinguished from a nemesis, with the latter being an enemy whom the hero cannot defeat (or who defeats the hero), even while not being a longstanding or consistent enemy to the hero.Sage Michael, ''How to Become a Superhero: the Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate You!'' (2011), p. 228.


See also

* Antagonist * Supervillain * Villain


References

Rivalry Stock characters Superhero fiction themes Supervillains {{comics-stub