Confidant

Definition

A confidant is a character in a narrative who is trusted by the protagonist and provides a space for private thoughts and feelings. This character often serves as a sounding board, allowing the main character to reveal their inner dilemmas and motivations. The role of the confidant is crucial as they can influence the protagonist's decisions and highlight themes such as friendship, loyalty, and personal growth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Confidants often appear in both literature and film, providing key insights into the protagonist's thoughts and feelings that might not be expressed otherwise.
2. The interaction between the protagonist and their confidant can drive character development, showcasing growth or change over time.
3. In many stories, the confidant may have their own subplots or arcs that complement the main narrative, enriching the overall storytelling.
4. This character type can also serve to build tension or conflict when their loyalty is tested or when they disagree with the protagonist's choices.
5. Confidants can be depicted in various forms, such as friends, mentors, family members, or even pets, highlighting their versatile role in narratives.

Review Questions

• How does the presence of a confidant enhance the depth of a protagonist's character?
  • The presence of a confidant adds depth to a protagonist by providing them with a safe space to express their thoughts and emotions. This relationship allows for greater insight into the protagonist's internal struggles and motivations, showcasing their vulnerabilities. Through conversations with the confidant, audiences gain a deeper understanding of the protagonist's challenges and desires, making their journey more relatable and impactful.
• Analyze how a confidant can serve as a plot device in classical Hollywood narratives.
  • In classical Hollywood narratives, a confidant often functions as a crucial plot device by influencing the protagonist's decisions and actions. This character can either support or challenge the protagonist’s choices, creating conflict or facilitating resolution. Their interactions can lead to significant turning points in the story, ultimately guiding the narrative toward its climax while also reinforcing themes such as loyalty and friendship.
• Evaluate the impact of a confidant's relationship with the protagonist on the overall themes of a story.
  • The relationship between a confidant and the protagonist significantly impacts the overall themes of a story by embodying concepts such as trust, betrayal, and personal growth. When a confidant offers unwavering support, it can reinforce themes of loyalty and camaraderie. Conversely, if conflict arises between them, it may highlight themes of doubt or moral ambiguity. This dynamic not only enriches character arcs but also deepens thematic exploration, allowing for a more complex narrative experience.

Related terms

Protagonist: The main character in a story around whom the plot revolves, typically facing conflicts that drive the narrative.

Foil: A character that contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight particular qualities of the main character.

Narrative Structure: The framework that underlies the order and manner in which a narrative is presented to an audience.