What comes after protagonist?

What Comes After Protagonist?

The protagonist is the central character in a story, and it’s essential to understand the characters that come after them. In literature, the concept of protagonist is often discussed, but what about the characters that follow? In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the question, "What comes after protagonist?"

Deuteragonist: The Second Most Important Character

The deuteragonist is the second most important character in a story, after the protagonist. This character plays a crucial role in the plot and often serves as a foil to the protagonist. The deuteragonist can be a friend, family member, or even an adversary. They can also be a mentor, providing guidance and support to the protagonist.

Tritagonist: The Third Most Important Character

The tritagonist is the third most important character in a story, after the protagonist and deuteragonist. This character may not be as prominent as the first two, but they still play a significant role in the plot. The tritagonist can be a minor character who has a small but important part to play in the story.

Types of Protagonists

There are three main types of protagonists:

• Hero: A heroic protagonist is the traditional "good guy" of the story. They are often brave, selfless, and willing to make sacrifices for the greater good.
• Antihero: An antihero is a protagonist who subverts the traditional hero archetype. They may be flawed, morally ambiguous, or even villainous.
• False Protagonist: A false protagonist is a character who appears to be the protagonist at first but is eventually revealed to be a supporting character or even the true antagonist.

Can the Protagonist be a Villain?

Yes, it is possible for the protagonist to be a villain. In fact, many stories feature antiheroes or protagonists who are morally ambiguous. This can add complexity to the story and challenge the reader’s expectations.

Why Are Most YA Protagonists 17?

Many young adult (YA) protagonists are 17 years old. This is because 17 is often seen as a threshold age, marking the transition from adolescence to adulthood. This age is also often associated with increased independence, self-awareness, and a sense of identity.

The Three Types of Antagonists

There are three main types of antagonists:

• Villain: A villain is a character who opposes the protagonist and seeks to harm them or achieve a goal that contradicts the protagonist’s.
• Obstacle: An obstacle is a character or situation that hinders the protagonist’s progress or goals.
• Innocent Bystander: An innocent bystander is a character who is caught up in the conflict or situation and is not necessarily involved in the conflict.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the protagonist is the central character in a story, and there are several characters that come after them. The deuteragonist and tritagonist play important roles in the plot, while the antihero and false protagonist challenge the reader’s expectations. The protagonist can also be a villain, and the age of 17 is often associated with YA protagonists. By understanding these concepts, writers can create more complex and engaging stories.

Table: The Hierarchy of Characters

Bullets List: Characteristics of the Protagonist

• Brave and selfless
• Willing to make sacrifices for the greater good
• Flawed or morally ambiguous
• A leader or a follower
• A hero or a villain
• A complex and multi-dimensional character