Here's why Dave is considered an antagonist:
* He's often the target of Alvin's mischief: Alvin and the chipmunks frequently cause chaos and trouble, with Dave usually bearing the brunt of their antics.
* He's constantly exasperated by them: Dave is often stressed and frustrated by the chipmunks' behaviour, leading to humorous conflicts and misunderstandings.
* His methods of dealing with them can be misguided: In his attempts to control the chipmunks, Dave sometimes resorts to extreme measures, which can backfire and create further chaos.
Although Dave is often portrayed as the antagonist, he ultimately cares deeply for the chipmunks and wants what's best for them. This complex relationship between Dave and the chipmunks makes for much of the humor and heart of the franchise.