What is the main difference between a class and an object in Python?

The main difference between a class and an object in Python lies in the role that each plays within object-oriented programming. A class serves as a blueprint or template for creating objects. It defines the structure and behaviors (attributes and methods) that the objects created from the class will have.

When you define a class, you outline the data and functionalities that will be shared among all instances (objects) of that class. For example, if you create a class called Car, it may have attributes like color and model, as well as methods like drive() and stop(). Each individual car you create from the Car class will be an object, which contains its own specific values for those attributes and can execute the defined methods.

This distinction helps in organizing code, promoting reuse and encapsulating functionalities. The other options misinterpret the nature of classes and objects within Python's object-oriented framework. Classes and objects are inherently linked, with classes providing the means to instantiate objects, so the characterization provided in the correct choice clarifies this foundational concept.