Main Character In A Story Is Called

The term "main character" in a story refers to the central figure around whom the narrative revolves. This character, often referred to as the protagonist, is the focal point of the plot, driving the action, facing the primary conflicts, and undergoing significant development throughout the story. Understanding the nuances of a main character's role, their relationship with other characters, and the various types of main characters is crucial for both writers crafting compelling narratives and readers seeking deeper comprehension of the stories they consume. This article delves into the multifaceted nature of main characters, exploring their functions, archetypes, development, and importance within the overall framework of storytelling.

Understanding the Role of the Main Character

The main character serves as the audience's primary point of connection within the story. Through their experiences, thoughts, and emotions, readers or viewers engage with the narrative and invest in the outcome. Several key roles define the main character's importance:

• Driving the Plot: The main character's actions, decisions, and desires are the engine that propels the plot forward. They initiate events, respond to challenges, and ultimately shape the story's direction.
• Experiencing Conflict: Central to any compelling narrative is conflict, and the main character is typically at the heart of it. They grapple with internal struggles, external adversaries, or societal pressures, providing the story's core tension.
• Undergoing Transformation: A well-developed main character undergoes a significant change or transformation throughout the story. This arc of development, often referred to as the character arc, demonstrates growth, learning, or a shift in perspective.
• Providing Perspective: The main character's viewpoint often shapes the audience's understanding of the story's themes, messages, and moral implications. Their internal monologue, actions, and interactions provide insight into the story's world and its meaning.
• Eliciting Empathy: By creating a relatable and engaging main character, the author invites the audience to empathize with their struggles, celebrate their triumphs, and learn from their experiences.

Types of Main Characters

While all main characters share the fundamental role of driving the narrative, they can be categorized into various types based on their personality, function, and relationship with the plot.

The Protagonist

The protagonist is the traditional hero or central figure who actively pursues a goal and overcomes obstacles. They are generally likable, relatable, and possess qualities that inspire the audience to root for their success. The protagonist is often defined by their courage, determination, and moral compass. Examples include:

• Harry Potter in the Harry Potter series, who fights against Voldemort and the forces of evil.
• Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games, who volunteers as tribute to protect her sister and becomes a symbol of rebellion.
• Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, who embarks on a journey to become a Jedi Knight and fight against the Galactic Empire.

The Antagonist as Main Character

In some narratives, the antagonist, traditionally the villain or opposing force, can also be the main character. This approach offers a unique perspective, allowing the audience to explore the motivations, complexities, and even vulnerabilities of the character typically positioned as the adversary. Examples include:

• Walter White in Breaking Bad, whose transformation from a chemistry teacher to a drug lord is the central focus of the series.
• Michael Corleone in The Godfather, whose descent into the world of organized crime is chronicled as he becomes the head of the family.
• Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs, whose intelligence and twisted perspective are explored even as he aids in the capture of another criminal.

The Anti-Hero

The anti-hero is a main character who lacks traditional heroic qualities. They may be flawed, morally ambiguous, or even outright unlikeable, yet they still command the audience's attention and investment. Anti-heroes often operate outside the bounds of societal norms and challenge conventional notions of right and wrong. Examples include:

• Don Draper in Mad Men, whose charm and success are juxtaposed with his personal flaws and troubled past.
• Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, a skilled hacker and vigilante who operates outside the law.
• Tyler Durden in Fight Club, whose anarchistic philosophies and violent tendencies challenge the status quo.

The Byronic Hero

A specific type of anti-hero, the Byronic hero, is characterized by their intelligence, charisma, and rebellious nature, but also by their emotional and intellectual torment. They are often haunted by a past transgression or burdened by a sense of isolation and alienation. Examples include:

• Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre, who is brooding, passionate, and harbors a dark secret.
• Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights, whose intense emotions and destructive behavior stem from a deep sense of betrayal.

The Everyman

The everyman is an ordinary, relatable character who is thrust into extraordinary circumstances. They lack special skills or abilities but possess a strong moral compass and a willingness to do what is right. The everyman serves as a proxy for the audience, allowing them to imagine themselves in the character's shoes. Examples include:

• Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit, an unassuming hobbit who embarks on an unexpected adventure.
• Forrest Gump in Forrest Gump, an ordinary man who witnesses and influences significant historical events.

The Foil

While not always the main character, a foil can sometimes take center stage. A foil is a character whose traits contrast with those of another character (usually the protagonist) and highlight particular qualities of the other character. Sometimes, by emphasizing differences, a foil can help the audience understand the protagonist better. Examples include:

• Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, show two sides of the same character acting as foils to emphasize the good and evil within all humans.
• Hamlet and Laertes in Hamlet, with Laertes's impulsiveness accentuating Hamlet's more thoughtful nature.

Crafting a Compelling Main Character

Creating a memorable and effective main character requires careful consideration of their background, personality, motivations, and relationships. Here are some key elements to consider:

• Backstory: A well-developed backstory provides context for the character's present-day actions and motivations. Exploring their past experiences, relationships, and formative events can add depth and complexity to their personality.
• Motivations: Understanding what drives the main character is essential for creating a believable and engaging narrative. Their motivations can be conscious or unconscious, noble or selfish, but they should always be compelling and consistent with their overall character.
• Flaws and Strengths: No character is perfect, and a combination of strengths and flaws makes them more relatable and human. Flaws can create internal conflict and drive character development, while strengths can provide opportunities for triumph and inspire the audience.
• Relationships: The main character's relationships with other characters are crucial for revealing their personality and driving the plot. Interactions with allies, enemies, and loved ones can highlight different facets of their character and create opportunities for growth and change.
• Voice: The main character's voice, whether expressed through dialogue, internal monologue, or narration, should be distinct and consistent with their personality. A strong voice can make the character more memorable and engaging for the audience.

Character Arc and Development

The character arc refers to the transformation a main character undergoes throughout the story. This arc can involve a change in their beliefs, values, relationships, or overall worldview. A well-defined character arc demonstrates growth, learning, and the impact of the story's events on the character's development. Key elements of a character arc include:

• The Inciting Incident: The event that sets the character on their journey and disrupts their normal life.
• Rising Action: The series of events and challenges that the character faces as they pursue their goal.
• The Climax: The turning point of the story, where the character faces their greatest challenge and makes a critical decision.
• Falling Action: The aftermath of the climax, where the character deals with the consequences of their actions.
• Resolution: The conclusion of the story, where the character has undergone a significant transformation and achieved a new understanding of themselves and the world.

The Importance of Empathy

One of the most crucial aspects of creating a compelling main character is the ability to elicit empathy from the audience. Even if the character is flawed, morally ambiguous, or even unlikeable, the author should strive to make them relatable on some level. This can be achieved by:

• Highlighting their vulnerabilities: Showing the character's weaknesses and insecurities can make them more human and relatable.
• Exploring their motivations: Understanding why the character acts the way they do can help the audience empathize with their choices, even if they don't agree with them.
• Showing their capacity for love and compassion: Even the most hardened characters can be softened by showing their capacity for love, friendship, or compassion.
• Giving them a sense of humor: Humor can be a powerful tool for breaking down barriers and making a character more likable.

Main Character in Different Genres

The role and type of main character often vary depending on the genre of the story.

• Fantasy: In fantasy stories, the main character is often a chosen one or a hero destined to save the world. They may possess special powers or abilities and must undergo a journey of self-discovery to fulfill their destiny.
• Science Fiction: In science fiction stories, the main character may be a scientist, an explorer, or a rebel fighting against a dystopian society. They often grapple with ethical dilemmas and the consequences of technological advancements.
• Mystery: In mystery stories, the main character is typically a detective or investigator who must solve a crime or uncover a hidden truth. They are often intelligent, observant, and possess a strong sense of justice.
• Romance: In romance stories, the main character is typically focused on finding love and building a meaningful relationship. They often face obstacles and challenges that test their commitment to their partner.
• Horror: In horror stories, the main character is often an ordinary person who is confronted with terrifying and supernatural events. They must fight to survive and protect themselves from the forces of evil.

Examples of Memorable Main Characters

To further illustrate the principles of main character development, here are some examples of memorable main characters from literature and film:

• Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice: A strong-willed and independent woman who challenges societal expectations and ultimately finds love on her own terms.
• Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird: A morally upright lawyer who defends a black man falsely accused of a crime, teaching his children about justice and empathy.
• Sherlock Holmes from the Sherlock Holmes series: A brilliant detective with exceptional observation skills and a quirky personality.
• Clarice Starling from The Silence of the Lambs: A determined FBI trainee who seeks the help of Hannibal Lecter to catch another serial killer.
• Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings: An unassuming hobbit who embarks on a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring and save Middle-earth.

Conclusion

The main character is the cornerstone of any story, serving as the audience's guide, the driving force of the plot, and the embodiment of the narrative's themes. By understanding the various types of main characters, the elements of character development, and the importance of empathy, writers can craft compelling and memorable characters that resonate with readers and viewers long after the story ends. Whether it's a hero, an anti-hero, or an everyman, the main character's journey is what captivates us, inspires us, and ultimately makes us reflect on our own lives and the world around us.