päähenkilöt

Päähenkilöt is a Finnish term that translates to "protagonists" or "main characters" in English. It refers to the central figures in a narrative, such as a novel, play, film, or video game. The actions, motivations, and development of the päähenkilöt typically drive the plot forward and are essential to the story's themes and overall message.

In literature and other storytelling mediums, there can be one or multiple päähenkilöt. Their roles are crucial for engaging the audience. Readers and viewers often connect with the päähenkilöt, experiencing the story through their perspectives and emotions. The challenges they face, their triumphs, and their failures are the core of the narrative experience.

The term "päähenkilöt" encompasses characters who are not necessarily heroic or morally good. The defining characteristic is their centrality to the plot. An antagonist, if they are the primary focus of the narrative or share equal importance with the hero, could also be considered a päähenkilö. The story's resolution is usually dependent on the events involving the päähenkilöt.