Hi…Can you show us the two opposing characters? I believe it’s just one ol’ dirty bird who will show up pretty soon claiming he’s the Messiah. He’s going down, though, so not to worry.
Some context first....
We are dealing with a prophecy primarily spanning 490 years from the given reference for the start of this time period; the beginning of v 25.
At the outset the angel tells Daniel the objective (v 24) before any details are given.
Daniel is in Babylon serving a foreign King while Jerusalem lies in ruins. By combing the writings of Jeremiah he becomes aware that the time of Israels captivity foretold by Jeremiah is nearing its end. He them prays and appeals to
God's mercy for his own name's sake (God's) vs 17-19
The angel arrives in response and tells him that his people (Israel) have another time period metered out for them....and I might add, a weightier verdict than a 'temporary' captivity, namely reaching to the anointed one (the promised Messiah).....and beyond: the fate of another destruction of their rebuilt City.....and the antagonist
Below I have highlighted the opposing characters of the two 'he's in red and green from verses 26 - 27
Red referencing the anointed one (Jesus)
Green referencing the antagonist and his end.
26 After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’
the Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing.
The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed.
27
He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.