The antagonist in W.W. Jacobs’ short story “The Monkey’s Paw” is often interpreted as the supernatural force behind the paw itself. The paw serves as a catalyst for the tragic events that unfold, granting wishes that lead to dire consequences. While the characters wrestle with their desires and the ramifications of their choices, it is the magical element of the paw that ultimately brings about their downfall.
Furthermore, one could argue that the true antagonist is the characters’ own greed and desire for control over fate. Mr. White, in particular, exemplifies this conflict as he makes wishes that not only reflect his aspirations but also provoke disastrous outcomes. The struggle between human aspirations and the uncontrollable forces of fate creates the central conflict of the narrative, making both the paw and the characters’ choices antagonistic in nature.