Which of the following terms refers to a conflict between the main character and an opposing force?

The term that refers to a conflict between the main character and an opposing force is antagonism. This concept captures the essence of opposition in a narrative, where the main character, often referred to as the protagonist, faces challenges or obstacles posed by an antagonist. This conflict can be a person, a group, or even an abstract force, such as societal norms or nature itself, that impedes the protagonist's goals and desires. Antagonism is fundamental to storytelling, driving the plot and developing character dynamics.

While the climax is the turning point of the story with the highest tension, it doesn’t specifically define the conflict itself. The theme refers to the underlying message or central idea in a story, rather than a direct conflict. The term crisis typically relates to a critical point in the story where a decision must be made or a turning point occurs, but it doesn’t specifically denote the opposing forces in the narrative. Therefore, the most accurate choice related to the conflict is antagonism, as it specifically highlights the nature of the opposition faced by the main character.