Protagonist

Definition

The protagonist is the central character in a story, typically facing challenges and conflicts that drive the narrative forward. This character often embodies the story's themes and is usually the one who experiences the most significant growth or change throughout the play.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The protagonist is often referred to as the 'hero' of the story, but they can also be flawed or face moral dilemmas, making them more relatable to the audience.
2. The journey of the protagonist typically involves an inciting incident that sets them on a path of conflict and development.
3. As the narrative progresses, the protagonist usually undergoes a transformation or personal growth, known as a character arc.
4. In many stories, the protagonist's conflicts with both external forces (like an antagonist) and internal struggles contribute significantly to the plot's development.
5. The resolution of the protagonist's journey often leads to a climax, where their choices and growth are put to the ultimate test.

Review Questions

• How does the protagonist's journey relate to the inciting incident in a play?
  • The protagonist's journey is fundamentally linked to the inciting incident, which is a crucial moment that disrupts their ordinary life and propels them into conflict. This event challenges the protagonist to respond and sets off their quest for resolution. The way they react to this inciting incident often shapes their character development throughout the story.
• In what ways does a protagonist’s character arc contribute to the overall theme of a play?
  • A protagonist’s character arc plays a vital role in conveying the overall theme of a play by illustrating their transformation in response to conflicts. As they confront challenges, their choices reflect deeper values and moral questions that resonate with audiences. This evolution not only highlights personal growth but also reinforces thematic messages, showing how individuals can change in response to their experiences.
• Evaluate how external and interpersonal conflicts faced by a protagonist influence their ultimate resolution at the climax of a play.
  • External conflicts, such as struggles against antagonists or societal pressures, challenge the protagonist and often drive them toward critical decisions at the climax. Simultaneously, interpersonal conflicts—like relationships with family or friends—add emotional depth to these challenges. The interplay between these types of conflict shapes how the protagonist reacts and evolves, leading to a resolution that reflects their growth and solidifies key themes of resilience or redemption within the play.

Related terms

Antagonist: The antagonist is the character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and driving the story's tension.

Conflict: Conflict refers to the struggle between opposing forces in a story, which can be external (against other characters or society) or internal (within the protagonist's mind).

Theme: The theme is the underlying message or main idea conveyed by a story, often revealed through the protagonist's journey and struggles.