What is a Protagonist?

The Main Character of a Story

The protagonist in literature is the main character of a story. He or she is the individual whose actions and decisions drive the plot forward and determine the outcome of the tale. In other words, the protagonist is the main actor in the story. Most protagonists are heroic and inspire readers to root for them as they try to overcome obstacles, triumph over adversity and ultimately resolve the story’s conflict. Protagonists can be protagonists of any age, gender, race or socioeconomic class.

Characteristics Of a Protagonist

Though protagonists in literature vary greatly, they tend to share certain characteristics. Most have active goals and desires, and they will work actively to achieve their objectives. This can include battling an antagonist, completing a quest or discovering deeper truths about themselves or the world. Protagonists are not always perfect, however, and they can make mistakes that can have major repercussions.

Protagonist vs. Antagonist

It’s important to note that while the protagonist is the one driving the story forward, there must be an obstacle standing in the way of their desired outcome. This obstacle is typically an antagonist. The antagonist can be a person, one or more characters, or even a force of nature like a storm. Where the protagonist is the one initiating action, the antagonist is the force blocking it and creating drama. They typically serve as the foil for the protagonist’s character and can be what gives the story its emotional resonance.

Conclusion

In summary, the protagonist of literature is the hero and main character of a story. They must have active goals and desires and are actively working to achieve them. The protagonist is usually in opposition to an antagonist, who stands in the way of their desired outcome and creates the drama essential to the story. Protagonists can come in many forms but they tend to be particular types of characters. Exploring the depth and motivations of a protagonist is often the joy of reading a story.