What is a Protagonist — A Breakdown of Different Types and Functions of the Main Character

“Who is the protagonist of this story?” – a question often echoed across storytelling realms. At times, the answer is glaringly obvious, while at others, it’s a puzzle waiting to be unraveled. In this comprehensive article, we’ll embark on a captivating journey through the intricate world of protagonists, dissecting their traditional features, exploring various types, and even delving into the exceptions that redefine the rules.

So, fasten your seatbelts, dear readers, as we dive deep into the heart of protagonists, the driving force behind some of the most gripping narratives ever told.

The Protagonist Unveiled

“I’m the protagonist of this operation,” they might boldly proclaim, taking center stage amidst the swirling action. But what truly defines a protagonist, and where did this concept originate?

A protagonist is the lead character, the hero or heroine, around whom the narrative revolves. The term finds its roots in the ancient Greek words ‘Protos’ (first) and ‘Agōnistḗs’ (actor), harking back to the days of early Greek tragedies. In those times, narratives were sung or spoken by a collective chorus, until the poet Thespis broke tradition by introducing a single actor who played multiple roles by switching masks.

Over time, the concept evolved, and the protagonist shifted from a single actor portraying all parts to the central character driving the story’s plot. In the realm of screenwriting, the terms “protagonist,” “hero,” and “main character” are often used interchangeably, though they don’t always mean precisely the same thing.

As Blake Snyder eloquently put it in “Save the Cat,” “The best protagonist is the one who offers the most conflict in situation, has the longest emotional journey, and has a primal goal we can all root for.” This encapsulates the essence of a protagonist – a character whose choices propel the plot forward, whose transformation shapes the story’s theme, and whose struggles captivate the audience, inviting them to become invested in their plight.

The Hero’s Journey

Among the various archetypes, the hero protagonist stands tall as one of the most common and revered. These characters are brave, righteous, and highly skilled, often nobly born and predestined to confront a formidable evil foe. While the definition has expanded to encompass any character who is courageous, admirable, and driven to help others, the essence remains the same – they are the focal point, the driving force behind the action and conflict.

“Remember, all I’m offering is the truth, nothing more,” they might declare, their eyes burning with determination as they pursue a clear external goal. Their ability to attain this goal is achieved through sacrifice and personal transformation, a journey that resonates with audiences and compels them to root for the hero’s triumph.

Non-Traditional Protagonists: Shades of Gray

But not all protagonists conform to the archetypal hero mold. In recent times, storytellers have embraced the exploration of non-traditional protagonists, characters that break away from the clean-cut, morally righteous mold.

Enter the realm of anti-heroes – flawed, cynical, and often morally ambiguous characters who nevertheless compel us to root for their success. The Bride from “Kill Bill,” consumed by a roaring rampage of revenge, might cross ethical lines, but her goal to reunite with her daughter is a just cause that tugs at our heartstrings.

Tragic heroes, too, offer a unique perspective. These characters start out with heroic qualities but are undone by a fatal flaw within their character, leading to a tragic conclusion. Jay Gatsby’s obsessive pursuit of Daisy, blinded by his inability to see the unattainable dream she represents, is a poignant example of this archetype.

Then there are passive protagonists, characters who, while central to the story, are not the primary drivers of the plot’s progression. Sarah Connor in James Cameron’s “Terminator” exemplifies this – initially a passive protagonist, she later evolves into an anti-hero in the sequel, taking an active role in shaping the narrative.

And let’s not forget the villain protagonists, characters who allow us to explore the darkest corners of the human psyche. Jack, the unrepentant serial killer from “The House that Jack Built,” offers no opportunity for sympathy, yet we remain captivated by his tale, eager to witness his ultimate fate.

When Protagonists Multiply

While many stories feature a single protagonist, others employ multiple characters to fulfill this role. Buddy comedies and romantic tales often feature two protagonists, their decisions and character arcs intertwined as they journey toward a shared goal, be it friendship or love.

In epic tales like “The Lord of the Rings,” a clear protagonist (Frodo) is supported by deuteragonists (Sam, Gandalf, and Aragorn) and tritagonists (the rest of the fellowship), each playing a vital role in shaping the narrative.

Some stories even pit dual protagonists against each other, their goals and character arcs entangled in a complex web of conflict and rivalry, as seen in the dynamic between Vincent and Neil in “Heat.”

In other instances, the functions of the protagonist are divided among separate characters. “The Shawshank Redemption” exemplifies this beautifully, with Andy driving the plot while Red experiences the character growth and transformation that define the true protagonist’s arc.

Conclusion: The Beating Heart of Storytelling

Whether a single protagonist, multiple protagonists, or a combination thereof, these characters are the beating heart of storytelling. They drive the plot, shape the theme, and invite us to invest in their struggles, triumphs, and transformations.

As writers and storytellers, our task is to craft compelling protagonists that resonate with audiences, characters whose journeys inspire, challenge, and captivate. From the archetypal hero to the morally ambiguous anti-hero, from the tragic figure to the villainous protagonist, the possibilities are endless, limited only by the boundaries of our imagination.

So, let your protagonist’s journey begin, dear reader, and remember – we can all be heroes, in our own unique and compelling ways.