The protagonist is the main character

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 147 views

When it comes to storytelling, there are several key elements that come together to create a compelling narrative. One of the most important elements is the protagonist, who is often the central figure in the story. But who exactly is the protagonist? Is it the villain, the character who narrates the story, the main character who changes the most, or the character who causes problems? In this article, we will explore the concept of the protagonist and examine the different options to determine who the protagonist truly is.

The Protagonist: A Definition

The protagonist is the main character in a story, who is often the central figure around whom the plot revolves. The protagonist is typically the character who drives the plot forward, and whose actions and decisions have a significant impact on the story. The protagonist is often the character that the reader or audience is supposed to empathize with, and who undergoes significant change or growth throughout the story.

Option A: The Villain

While the villain may be a significant character in a story, they are not typically considered the protagonist. The villain is often the character who opposes the protagonist and creates obstacles for them to overcome. While the villain may be a complex and nuanced character, their primary function is to create conflict and tension in the story, rather than to drive the plot forward.

Option B: The Character Who Narrates the Story

The character who narrates the story is often referred to as the narrator or the storyteller. While the narrator may be a significant character in the story, they are not typically considered the protagonist. The narrator's primary function is to tell the story and provide context and background information, rather than to drive the plot forward.

Option C: The Main Character Who Changes the Most

The main character who changes the most is often the protagonist. The protagonist is typically the character who undergoes significant change or growth throughout the story, as a result of their experiences and interactions with other characters. This change can be a result of their actions, decisions, or circumstances, and is often a key element of the story.

Option D: The Character Who Causes Problems

The character who causes problems is often a secondary character in the story, rather than the protagonist. While this character may create obstacles and challenges for the protagonist, they are not typically the central figure in the story.

The Protagonist: Key Characteristics

So, what are the key characteristics of the protagonist? Here are a few key traits that are often associated with the protagonist:

The protagonist is the main character: The protagonist is the central figure in the story, and the plot revolves around their actions and decisions.
The protagonist drives the plot forward: The protagonist is the character who drives the plot forward, and whose actions and decisions have a significant impact on the story.
The protagonist undergoes significant change or growth: The protagonist is often the character who undergoes significant change or growth throughout the story, as a result of their experiences and interactions with other characters.
The protagonist is often the character who the reader or audience is supposed to empathize with: The protagonist is often the character who the reader or audience is supposed to empathize with, and who is often the most relatable character in the story.

Examples of Protagonists

Here are a few examples of protagonists from literature and film:

Huckleberry Finn from Mark Twain's novel "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" is a classic example of a protagonist. Huck is the main character in the story, and his actions and decisions drive the plot forward.
Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen's novel "Pride and Prejudice" is another example of a protagonist. Lizzy is the main character in the story, and her actions and decisions have a significant impact on the plot.
Luke Skywalker from the Star Wars franchise is a classic example of a protagonist. Luke is the main character in the story, and his actions and decisions drive the plot forward.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the protagonist is the main character in a story, who is often the central figure around whom the plot revolves. The protagonist is typically the character who drives the plot forward, and whose actions and decisions have a significant impact on the story. While there may be other characters in the story who are significant, the protagonist is often the character who undergoes significant change or growth throughout the story, and who is often the most relatable character in the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few frequently asked questions about the protagonist:

What is the difference between the protagonist and the main character? The protagonist is the main character in a story, while the main character is a more general term that can refer to any character who is central to the story.
Can the protagonist be a villain? While it is possible for the protagonist to be a villain, it is not typically the case. The protagonist is often the character who the reader or audience is supposed to empathize with, and who undergoes significant change or growth throughout the story.
Can the protagonist be a secondary character? While it is possible for the protagonist to be a secondary character, it is not typically the case. The protagonist is often the main character in the story, and the plot revolves around their actions and decisions.

References

Here are a few references that may be helpful in understanding the concept of the protagonist:

"The Elements of Fiction" by James N. Frey: This book provides a comprehensive guide to the elements of fiction, including the protagonist.
"The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers" by Christopher Vogler: This book provides a comprehensive guide to the mythic structure of stories, including the protagonist.
"The Hero with a Thousand Faces" by Joseph Campbell: This book provides a comprehensive guide to the concept of the hero, which is often associated with the protagonist.
Protagonist Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions =============================================

In our previous article, we explored the concept of the protagonist and examined the different options to determine who the protagonist truly is. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the protagonist.

Q: What is the difference between the protagonist and the main character?

A: The protagonist is the main character in a story, while the main character is a more general term that can refer to any character who is central to the story. The protagonist is often the character who drives the plot forward and whose actions and decisions have a significant impact on the story.

Q: Can the protagonist be a villain?

A: While it is possible for the protagonist to be a villain, it is not typically the case. The protagonist is often the character who the reader or audience is supposed to empathize with, and who undergoes significant change or growth throughout the story. However, in some cases, the protagonist may be a complex character who is both good and bad, and who undergoes a transformation throughout the story.

Q: Can the protagonist be a secondary character?

A: While it is possible for the protagonist to be a secondary character, it is not typically the case. The protagonist is often the main character in the story, and the plot revolves around their actions and decisions. However, in some cases, the protagonist may be a secondary character who is not the main focus of the story, but who still plays a significant role in the plot.

Q: What are the key characteristics of the protagonist?

A: The key characteristics of the protagonist include:

The protagonist is the main character: The protagonist is the central figure in the story, and the plot revolves around their actions and decisions.
The protagonist drives the plot forward: The protagonist is the character who drives the plot forward, and whose actions and decisions have a significant impact on the story.
The protagonist undergoes significant change or growth: The protagonist is often the character who undergoes significant change or growth throughout the story, as a result of their experiences and interactions with other characters.
The protagonist is often the character who the reader or audience is supposed to empathize with: The protagonist is often the character who the reader or audience is supposed to empathize with, and who is often the most relatable character in the story.

Q: Can the protagonist be a static character?

A: While it is possible for the protagonist to be a static character, it is not typically the case. The protagonist is often the character who undergoes significant change or growth throughout the story, as a result of their experiences and interactions with other characters. However, in some cases, the protagonist may be a static character who remains unchanged throughout the story.

Q: What is the difference between the protagonist and the hero?

A: The protagonist and the hero are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same thing. The hero is a character who embodies the values and ideals of the story, and who often undergoes a transformation throughout the story. The protagonist, on the other hand, is the main character in the story, and the plot revolves around their actions and decisions.

Q: Can the protagonist be a non-human character?

A: While it is possible for the protagonist to be a non-human character, it is not typically the case. The protagonist is often a human character, and the story revolves around their actions and decisions. However, in some cases, the protagonist may be a non-human character, such as an animal or a supernatural being.

Q: What is the importance of the protagonist in a story?

A: The protagonist is the central figure in a story, and the plot revolves around their actions and decisions. The protagonist is often the character who the reader or audience is supposed to empathize with, and who undergoes significant change or growth throughout the story. The protagonist is also often the character who drives the plot forward, and whose actions and decisions have a significant impact on the story.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the protagonist is a complex and multifaceted character who plays a central role in a story. The protagonist is often the main character in the story, and the plot revolves around their actions and decisions. The protagonist is also often the character who undergoes significant change or growth throughout the story, and who is often the most relatable character in the story. By understanding the concept of the protagonist, writers and readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling and the importance of the protagonist in a story.