Protagonist - GCSE English Literature Definition

What is a protagonist?

In GCSE English Literature and GCSE English Language, the protagonist is the main character in a text. They are typically the central focus of the narrative and the plot often follows their journey, struggles and development.

Why do writers use protagonists?

Writers use protagonists to drive the narrative forward and create an emotional connection with the reader or audience. The protagonist’s experiences, conflicts and growth help to explore key themes within the text and make the narrative more engaging.

Example of a protagonist

The protagonist of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens is Pip:

"My father’s family name being Pirrip, and my Christian name Philip, my infant tongue could make of both names nothing longer or more explicit than Pip."

From the opening lines, Pip’s journey from a poor orphan to a gentleman forms the core of the novel. His experiences with wealth, ambition, love and morality shape his character development, making it a classic example of a Bildungsroman (a coming-of-age story). Through Pip’s perspective, Dickens explores themes of social class, identity and personal growth.

Revision resources to ace your exams

Learn how to explore a writer's use of a protagonist by using our detailed GCSE revision notes.

GCSE English Literature Revision Notes

GCSE English Language Revision Notes

For more literary techniques, check out our list of 127 top literary devices, complete with student-friendly definitions.