Here's why:
* No single villain: The play doesn't focus on a specific character with malicious intent. The conflict arises from prejudice, groupthink, and the pressure to conform, which are present in all the jurors to varying degrees.
* The system itself: One could argue that the justice system itself is the antagonist. The play highlights its flaws, like the potential for bias and the danger of rushing to judgment.
* The "guilty" verdict: The initial verdict, fueled by prejudice and lack of deliberation, acts as a driving force for the conflict. It represents the societal biases and the pressure to conform that the play criticizes.
Therefore, while "Twelve Angry Men" has a clear conflict, it's not driven by a traditional villain. The struggle is internal, a battle against ignorance, prejudice, and the tendency to avoid difficult questions.