Definition: A protagonist is the leading character or one of the major characters in a drama, film, novel, or other fictional text. In the context of a narrative, the protagonist is typically the character who faces a central conflict and undergoes significant development or change throughout the story. This character often embodies the primary goals or drives the plot of the narrative.
Etymology and Origin: The word ‘protagonist’ comes from the Greek ‘protagonistes’, meaning ‘the player of the first part’ or ‘chief actor’. It is derived from ‘protos’, meaning ‘first’, and ‘agonistes’, meaning ‘actor’. Historically in Greek drama, the protagonist was the main character who played the most significant role in the story or play. Over time, the term evolved to its current usage in various forms of storytelling, including literature and film.
