Protagonist Definition and Examples

Protagonist Definition: a character who pursues the primary goals of the plot of a story

Protagonist Definition

Copy This Example — Or — Make Your Own Storyboard

More options

Protagonist

Protagonists are usually the heroes of a story, and they are driven by a particular goal or loyalty to seek out a resolution to a conflict. Protagonists are typically brave, they experience some sort of change, and they often have a flaw in their character that the reader can relate to. A protagonist usually faces an antagonist of some sort, whether it be in the form of another character, a force of nature, or their own internal doubts. These antagonists often stand in the way of the protagonist achieving their goals, and it is by overcoming these obstacles that they mature and grow by the end of the story.

In The Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus is the protagonist and hero who is fighting many obstacles to journey back home. Many of these obstacles are created by Poseidon, the antagonist who curses Odysseus’ journey home after Odysseus blinds his son, the Cyclops named Polyphemus. Sometimes a protagonist is the bad guy. For example, in The Tragedy of Richard III by William Shakespeare, Richard’s quest for power drives him to kill his nephews, imprison his brother, and marry the widow of the man he murdered. Ultimately, his antagonist is the “good guy”: the Earl of Richmond, who is later crowned Henry VII, the first of the Tudor line.

Create your own Storyboard

Try it for Free!

Notable Examples of Protagonist in Literature

• Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby
• Alice in Alice in Wonderland
• Percy Jackson in The Lightning Thief

Frequently Asked Questions about Protagonist Definition and Examples

What is a protagonist in literature?

A protagonist is the main character in a story, play, or novel. This character typically drives the plot forward and faces key challenges or conflicts.

How do you identify the protagonist in a story?

You can identify the protagonist by looking for the character who is most central to the plot, whose actions and decisions affect the outcome of the story.

What is the difference between a protagonist and an antagonist?

The protagonist is the main character who faces the story’s main problem, while the antagonist is the character or force that opposes the protagonist.

Can there be more than one protagonist in a story?

Yes, some stories feature multiple protagonists, each with their own goals and perspectives, though usually one character remains central.

Why is the protagonist important in storytelling?

The protagonist is important because their journey, choices, and growth create emotional connection and drive the story’s message.