Põhitegijad

Põhitegijad is a term used in Estonian literary and media studies to denote the central figures around whom a story revolves. They are the primary agents whose goals, choices and conflicts propel the plot and shape the narrative’s emotional and thematic arc. While often synonymous with the protagonist, the concept can also apply to multiple main characters in an ensemble where the action centers on several key figures rather than a single lead.

Main characters are typically more fully developed than secondary figures. They usually possess distinct desires, flaws and backstories that influence their decisions and interactions. Their character arcs—changes in attitude, beliefs or circumstances—provide the narrative with momentum and meaning. Põhitegijad may be heroic, flawed, ambiguous or morally complex, and they often reflect or challenge the work’s central themes.

In practice, the portrayal of põhitegijad involves narrative techniques such as point of view, focalization, and dialogue that reveal motivation and inner conflict. Their relationships with other characters, as well as the obstacles they face, are central to the plot’s structure, whether in a traditional three-act framework or in more experimental forms. Media adaptations consider screen time or stage presence to balance multiple leads within an ensemble.

In Estonian scholarship, the term is frequently used alongside peategelased (lead characters) and peategelane (the lead character). Põhitegijad highlight the figures through whom the work’s aims, conflicts and thematic concerns are most clearly explored.