Protagonist: A Literary Device

Etymology of Protagonist

The word “protagonist” comes from the Greek word protagonistḗs. It which means “first actor” or “one who plays the first part”.

In ancient Greek drama, the protagonist was the main character who played the leading role in the play. The term was first used by Aristotle in his Poetics, where he identified the protagonist as the character who drives the plot and undergoes a significant change or transformation throughout the story.

Meanings of Protagonist

Meaning	Description
Central Character	– The protagonist is often the central character in a story around whom the plot revolves. – They are typically the characters with whom readers or viewers closely identify and follow throughout the narrative.
Main Focus	– The protagonist is the primary focus of the development and character arc of the story. – Their actions, choices, and struggles drive the narrative forward.
Heroic Role	– The protagonist assumes the role of the hero or heroine in various narratives. – They often face challenges and conflicts that they must overcome to achieve their goals.
Moral Center	– Protagonists often serve as the moral center of the story, representing values and principles that resonate with the audience. – Their moral choices and dilemmas can be central themes.
Character Growth	– Protagonists frequently undergo character development and growth throughout the story. – Their transformation may be a key element of the arc of the narrative.
Conflict Catalyst	– Protagonists are frequently involved in conflicts, either internal or external, that serve as driving forces in the plot. – These conflicts can include struggles against antagonists.
Multifaceted Roles	– Protagonists takes on various roles beyond heroism, such as antiheroes or complex characters with flaws and contradictions. – They may challenge traditional notions of heroism.
Narrative Perspective	– In some cases, the protagonist’s perspective is used as the narrative point of view. – The story unfolds through their eyes, providing insight into their thoughts and emotions.
Emotional Connection	– Protagonists often elicit emotional connections from the audience, evoking empathy and investment in their journey. – Readers or viewers may root for their success and relate to them.
Diverse Representations	– Protagonists come from diverse backgrounds, genders, ages, and walks of life, reflecting a wide range of human experiences. – The concept of a protagonist is not limited by stereotypes.

Protagonist in Grammar

• Noun (Protagonist): The protagonist of the story faced many challenges.
• Verb (Protagonize): She will protagonize the upcoming film.
• Adjective (Protagonistic): His protagonistic role in the project was evident.
• Adverb (Protagonistically): She led the team protagonistically.

Definition of Protagonist

As a literary device, the protagonist is the main character in a story or drama around whom the plot revolves. They are often portrayed as a hero or sympathetic figures with whom the reader or audience identifies themselves. Their struggles and challenges create tension and conflict in the story.

Types of Protagonists

There are several types of protagonists in literature, including:

Type	Explanation	Example
Tragic hero	A tragic hero is often a noble or heroic figure who, due to a tragic flaw or a fateful mistake, experiences a downfall.	In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the protagonist Macbeth’s ambition and unchecked thirst for power lead to his tragic demise.
Antihero	An antihero is a protagonist who lacks the conventional heroic qualities, often possessing complex and flawed characteristics.	J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, shows Holden Caulfield’s cynicism and inner turmoil making him an antiheroic figure.
Byronic hero	A Byronic hero is characterized by brooding mystery, a troubled past, and a morality that challenges societal norms.	In Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, Mr. Rochester embodies the Byronic hero with his enigmatic personality and moral dilemmas.
Flat protagonists	A flat protagonist lacks depth and complexity, often being defined by a single trait or characteristic.	Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games,s shows Katniss Everdeen portrayed as a determined and resourceful flat protagonist.
Dynamic protagonists	A dynamic protagonist undergoes a significant change or transformation during the story.	In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge evolves from a miserly and cold-hearted character to a generous and compassionate one.
Static protagonists	A static protagonist remains relatively unchanged throughout the story and often represents a particular idea or value.	Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, shows Atticus Finch serving as a static protagonist symbolizing moral integrity and justice.
Unreliable protagonists	An unreliable protagonist’s perspective and interpretation of events cannot be entirely trusted.	In Ken Kesey’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Chief Bromden’s narration provides an unreliable view due to his mental instability and hallucinations.
Romantic hero	A romantic hero is passionate, emotional, and idealistic, often striving for greatness in the name of love or justice.	Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, shows Jay Gatsby’s pursuit of the American Dream and his love for Daisy Buchanan exemplifying the romantic hero archetype.
Everyman protagonists	An everyman protagonist is an ordinary person thrust into extraordinary circumstances, allowing readers to relate to their experiences.	In George Orwell’s 1984, Winston Smith, an average citizen, becomes the everyman protagonist in a dystopian society ruled by totalitarianism.
Villain protagonists	A villain protagonist is a character who, despite committing morally questionable acts, serves as the central character, challenging traditional moral expectations.	Jeff Lindsay’s Dexter series shows Dexter Morgan, a serial killer who targets criminals, as the villain protagonist.

Common Examples of Protagonist

The concept of a protagonist is often associated with literary works, but it is also be found in everyday life. Here are some common examples:

1. Sports heroes: Athletes who are celebrated for their skills and achievements. They are seen as protagonists specifically in team sports where the success of the team is dependent on individual performance.
2. Political leaders: Politicians, seen as visionary or charismatic leaders, are also viewed as protagonists in times of crisis or social change.
3. Celebrities: Public figures admired or idolized by the general public are seen as protagonists in their own life stories when they have overcome personal challenges or obstacles to achieve success.
4. Entrepreneurs: Businesspeople who have achieved great success through their own ingenuity and hard work are be seen as protagonists in their own stories when they are seen as trailblazers or disruptors in their industry.
5. Everyday people: Also, anyone who faces challenges and overcomes obstacles in their daily lives are protagonists in their own right. They include someone having overcome an illness, or a student who has achieved academic success, or parents who have sacrificed for their children’s wellbeing.

Suggested Readings

1. Bloom, Harold. The Hero. Infobase Publishing, 2009.
2. Hutcheon, Linda. A Theory of Parody: The Teachings of Twentieth-Century Art Forms. University of Illinois Press, 2000.
3. Glausser, Wayne. Literary Titans Revisited: The Earliest Major Figures in American Literature. University of Tennessee Press, 2000.
4. Zunshine, Lisa. Why We Read Fiction: Theory of Mind and the Novel. Ohio State University Press, 2006.
5. McHale, Brian. Postmodernist Fiction. Routledge, 2001.
6. Leitch, Vincent B. American Literary Criticism Since the 1930s. Routledge, 2010.
7. Brooks, Peter. Reading for the Plot: Design and Intention in Narrative. Harvard University Press, 1992.