Protagonistul

Protagonistul is a Romanian term used in literary criticism to denote the central character in a narrative. It designates the figure whose goals drive the plot and whose experiences, choices, and growth shape the work’s meaning. The protagonist is not necessarily a hero in the moral sense; the term covers a wide range of character types, including antiheroes and morally complex figures. In Romanian scholarship, the term is often contrasted with other key roles such as the antagonist, who opposes the protagonist, and the narrator, whose point of view may or may not align with the protagonist’s perspective.

Etymology: Protagonistul is formed from the root word protagonist plus the definite article -ul, following Romanian grammar. The root reflects the Greek protos (first) and agonistēs (contestant or actor).

Function: The protagonist typically experiences the central conflict, undergoes change, and provides a focal point for thematic exploration such as identity, fate, or social critique. The narrative perspective—whether told from the protagonist’s point of view or through an external lens—affects reliability and reader engagement.

Examples: In Romanian literature, Ion from Ion by Liviu Rebreanu is a well-known protagonist; many novels employ a single focal protagonist while others use ensemble casts. In world literature, works such as The Great Gatsby or Hamlet also center on a main protagonist.

See also: Protagonist, Narrative perspective, Point of view, Character development.