protagonistid

Protagonistid are the central figures in a narrative, whose goals and actions drive the plot. The term is used across literature, film, theatre, and interactive media; in Estonian usage, protagonistid is the plural form of protagonist.

They serve as the audience's primary point of identification and are the perspective through which information is revealed. Protagonists typically undergo a character arc, facing obstacles and changing in response to events.

Protagonists vary from conventional heroes to flawed anti-heroes and morally ambiguous figures, and may be shared by multiple characters in ensemble works. Narration can be single-protagonist (first- or third-person) or feature several viewpoints.

Protagonists confront conflict with an antagonist or opposing force. The central tension may be external, internal, or both, and the way this conflict is resolved often defines the narrative's theme. In some works, the protagonist’s actions are the main engine of the story, while in others, the focus is on multiple protagonists or on the interplay between several characters.

The term originates in ancient Greek, referring to the leading actor in a drama; in modern usage it denotes the central character whose goals propel the story. In literary analysis, the protagonist’s agency, motive, and development are key aspects considered by readers and scholars.