Protagonist:
* Tom Ripley (played by Tom Hanks in the film): Tom is the main character. He's a struggling writer and a man facing existential dread. While initially portrayed as a somewhat passive individual, he ultimately demonstrates resilience and a desperate will to survive.
Antagonist:
* The Situation: The antagonist is not a person but rather Tom's own circumstances. He is trapped on a ledge outside his high-rise apartment, clinging to a dead man's pocket. This precarious situation, along with his anxieties about his career and life choices, pushes him to his limits.
It's important to note that the film's narrative isn't built on a traditional protagonist vs. antagonist structure. Instead, the focus is on Tom's internal struggle for survival and his confrontation with his fears and insecurities.