In the short story "The Mustache" by Robert Cormier, the protagonist is a young man named Mike, who grapples with his identity and family relationships. Throughout the story, he faces internal conflict as he navigates his interactions with his family, particularly his grandmother.
The antagonist can be seen as the societal expectations and family dynamics that challenge Mike's sense of self. Additionally, the mustache itself symbolizes the changes and the adult responsibilities he must confront, acting as a catalyst for his internal struggle. The conflict arises from Mike's desire to be seen as mature while dealing with the emotional weight of his family's history and expectations.
Overall, the story explores themes of growing up, identity, and the complexities of familial relationships.