Who are the protagonist and antagonist in the methaphor?

In a metaphor, the protagonist typically represents the central idea or theme, embodying qualities that drive the narrative forward, while the antagonist symbolizes opposing forces or challenges that create conflict. For instance, if the metaphor is about a journey, the protagonist may be the traveler seeking growth, while the antagonist could represent obstacles like fear or doubt. This dynamic illustrates the struggle between aspiration and adversity, enhancing the metaphor's depth.