Who Are The Main Antagonists In 'The Husbands'?

In 'The Husbands', the antagonists aren't your typical mustache-twirling villains. They're more insidious, woven into the fabric of everyday life, which makes them far more terrifying. The primary antagonist is the systemic patriarchy itself, represented through various male characters who uphold oppressive structures. There's Richard, the charming but manipulative husband who gaslights his wife into questioning her own reality. Then there's David, the corporate shark who uses his power to silence women in the workplace. What's brilliant about this setup is how the author shows these men aren't cartoonish villains – they're products of a society that rewards their behavior.

The secondary antagonists are the societal expectations that pit women against each other. You've got Martha, the judgmental neighbor who polices other women's choices, reinforcing the very system that oppresses her. The book cleverly reveals how internalized misogyny can make women complicit in their own oppression. The real horror comes from realizing these antagonists don't wear black hats – they're our colleagues, our partners, sometimes even our friends. The author builds this creeping dread as the protagonist uncovers how deeply these antagonistic forces are embedded in her world.

The antagonists in 'The Husbands' hit close to home because they're so recognizable. There's no single big bad – instead, it's this chorus of everyday sexism. You've got the dismissive doctor who won't take women's pain seriously, the passive-aggressive mother-in-law enforcing traditional gender roles, even the 'nice guy' friend who turns nasty when rejected. What makes them effective villains is how ordinary they seem at first glance. The book exposes how these small acts of oppression add up to something monstrous.