Antagonist

Character Role Analysis

Russell Hammond

Okay, so Russell isn't exactly Voldemort, but he's still the primary antagonist in Almost Famous. Russell stands in the way of William's dream, preventing our young protagonist from completing his interview, ultimately even destroying his career with a single phone call to Rolling Stone magazine. Penny Lane is also a victim of Russell, winding up heartbroken and alone after the guitarist condones her "sale" to Humble Pie.

We still identify with Russell, though, as an extraordinarily talented, but very conflicted dude. We want him to do the right thing—which he finally does, smoothing things over with Rolling Stone and giving William the interview—and the respect—he deserves.

So he's not quite as antagonist-y as you can get.