A protagonist is the main character in a story-the central figure whose actions and choices drive the plot forward and whose fate matters most to the audience

. This character is typically at the heart of the story’s conflict and is often the emotional core of the narrative, allowing readers or viewers to experience the world through their perspective

. While the protagonist is sometimes a traditional hero, they can also be flawed, complex, or even an anti-hero or villain, depending on the story

. What defines the protagonist is not their morality, but their central role in the narrative and the fact that the story’s events revolve around their journey, challenges, and growth

. The protagonist is usually opposed by an antagonist, a character or force that creates obstacles or conflict for them

. Examples of protagonists include Harry Potter in the Harry Potter series, Marjane in Persepolis , or Neo in The Matrix