In professional wrestling, a "heel" refers to a character who portrays a villainous or antagonistic role. Heels engage in unsportsmanlike behavior, often breaking the rules and provoking the audience to elicit a negative reaction. Their primary purpose is to create conflict and drama in storylines, enhancing audience engagement. Heels typically have rivalries with "faces," or heroes, leading to narratives that drive matches and events. The portrayal of heels is vital for the theatrical nature of professional wrestling and its entertainment value.