English STAAR Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The main character in a literary work is referred to as the protagonist. This character often drives the narrative forward and is typically the one with whom the audience is meant to connect or identify. The protagonist faces various challenges and conflicts throughout the story, which contribute to their development and the overall arc of the narrative. This character's journey is usually central to the themes and messages of the work, making them crucial to understanding the story as a whole.

The other terms mentioned have different meanings: the antagonist is usually a character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict; the narrator is the voice that tells the story, which may or may not be the protagonist; and themes refer to the underlying messages or central ideas explored in the literary work. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the role the protagonist plays within the story.