Protagonist and Antagonist

Protagonist Main character in a novel, story, movie tv show Has clearly defined wish or goal. Often the “good guy” in a struggle. The reader often roots for this person to be achieve their goals and come out victorious. Struggles against opposing forces to achieve his/her goals.

Complex Protagonist Protagonists can be flawed. Well written protagonists are the most rounded, fully developed characters in a story. Protagonists should be interesting and have diverse motivations.

Hero Vs. Anti-Hero With the conversation of flawed protagonist comes the hero vs. anti-hero idea. The protagonist doesn’t have to be a hero, nor does it have to be an anti-hero But often the protagonist falls into one of these categories The anti-hero has become greatly popular and is a more complex character.

Hero The good guy of a story who starts good and stays good and saves the day. Often predictable with clear cut motivations. Idealist High moral code Decisive Leader Successful Has initiative Courageous Likeable Has principles.

Anti- Hero Complex character driven by a variety of motivations. Starts bad and unlikeable but somehow becomes sympathetic in the end. Pragmatic Gray moral code Indecisive Unsuccessful Inconsiderate Indifferent Unlikeable Greedy Rebellious Nonconformist insubordinate

Tragic Hero Starts noble or heroic Have a flaw that becomes their own downfall Gain a self awareness through own actions They die in the end.

Antagonist Is the opponent of the protagonist Tries (either intentionally or not) to stop the protagonist from reaching their goal. Can be a person, a force of nature, or some aspect of the protagonist themselves

Protagonist and Antagonist interchangeable? When the anti-hero comes in often times the debate of who is the antagonist and who is the protagonist is not as clear Depending on a person’s view point the protagonist and antagonist can change when the characters are complex enough and the goals, conflict and obstacles are well written. If the reader is not presented with an alternative to the antagonist then they become the anti- hero/protagonist.