The "Fate series" is a vast and expansive multimedia franchise, encompassing numerous anime, manga, light novels, and video games. Consequently, there isn't a single, overarching antagonist for the entire series. Instead, antagonists vary significantly depending on the specific installment, story arc, or even individual routes within a single title. Each narrative often introduces its own set of challenges and opposing forces for the protagonists.
Antagonism in Fate/Stay Night
A prominent example of an antagonist, particularly in one of the foundational entries of the series, is Kirei Kotomine. He serves as a central antagonistic figure in Fate/stay night, the visual novel that launched much of the franchise.
In the first route of Fate/stay night, simply known as the "Fate" route, Kirei Kotomine emerges as the main antagonist. His intricate and manipulative actions are a driving force behind the conflict. During the Fifth Holy Grail War, he orchestrates events and directly opposes the protagonist, Shirou Emiya, and his allies. Kirei's plans involve using key participants and sacred artifacts for his own dark ends. A critical part of his scheme in this route includes the kidnapping of Illyasviel von Einzbern (Illya). He intends to exploit her unique connection to the Holy Grail, using her as a vessel for the Grail's cursed contents to unleash its destructive power.
His character is complex, often acting as both a spiritual advisor and a sinister puppet master, his true intentions and malevolent nature gradually revealed as the story progresses.
Varying Antagonists Across the Franchise
While Kirei Kotomine is a significant antagonist in Fate/stay night, other installments within the broader "Fate series" feature different characters who fulfill antagonistic roles. These antagonists can range from powerful Servants to corrupt mages, ancient evils, or even philosophical concepts personified. Understanding who the antagonist is therefore requires specifying which particular story or adaptation within the expansive "Fate series" is being referred to.
