Understanding the Role of the Main Character in Literature

When delving into the world of literature, one critical aspect to explore is the role of the main character. In literature, main characters, or protagonists, serve as the focal point around which other characters and events revolve. This article will explore the nuances that define the main character in comparison to minor characters, the evolution of the main protagonist in a narrative, the significance of villains, and the distinction between protagonists and heroes in modern storytelling.

Protagonist vs Minor Characters

The main difference between a protagonist and a minor character often hinges on page-time, but it is more nuanced than a simple count of their appearances. Protagonists typically dominate a significant portion of the narrative. However, there can be a spectrum of importance or weight among the main characters, as seen in works like J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, where the identity of who is the main protagonist is often debated.

Protagonists can shift as the story progresses. In my story, for example, what I considered the main protagonist evolved as the narrative unfolded. The ultimate protagonist is often the one who resolves the central conflict and triumphs by the end of the story. For instance, in the climax of my story, I did not know which character was the main protagonist until they ultimately saved the day. Thus, the role of the protagonist is not always clear from the outset and may become apparent only as the story reaches its conclusion.

The Role of Villains

Villains also play a crucial role in driving the narrative. There is usually a main villain who serves as the driving force behind the conflict, often the reason for the protagonist's journey. Even in stories where the villain appears infrequently, their actions and intentions determine the direction and significance of the protagonist's actions.

The Protagonist and the Hero

In Western literature and modern stories, the designations of protagonist, hero, and sometimes anti-hero are often shared by a single character. However, there is a subtle difference between a protagonist and a hero. The protagonist is the character who is most crucial for the story to be told. In Private Ryan, for instance,Private Ryan is the hero, while the character played by Tom Hanks is the protagonist. The hero is the one whose absence would negate the entire story - without Private Ryan, there would be no story. The protagonist, on the other hand, is the one who drives the action and steers the plot forward. As the story progresses, the designation of protagonist can shift, as in the case of Ryan taking over as the protagonist when his initial character dies.

Minor Characters: Key Roles

Minor characters often have a significant impact on the story, as many writers recognize. Minor characters can play pivotal roles, especially in my own writing where they are fleshed out based on the level of interaction they have with the protagonist. Even minor characters can drive the plot if their actions are crucial to the narrative, regardless of how much screen-time they receive.

The extent to which a character is developed is determined by how much we are exposed to them. There is little value in fleshing out a character who appears in just a few scenes. The interactions of characters with each other provide the depth and context that define their roles. Therefore, the prominence of a character in the story is more about the narrative’s need for their presence rather than the number of scenes they are in.

Conclusion

The main character, or protagonist, in a story is pivotal to its success. Understanding the nuances between protagonists and minor characters, heroes and villains, can greatly enhance one's appreciation of a narrative. Whether it is through the protagonist's journey, the conflict driven by the antagonist, or the pivotal moments of minor characters, each role contributes to the rich tapestry of literature.

Keywords

Main Character, Protagonist, Villain