Literary Gem: "Protagonists"
What does Derek Zoolander have in common with Holden Caulfield? Or Wonder Woman with Jane Eyre? Each is a protagonist — a shining star … whether on the page, the stage, or silver screen.
I’m Jim Lamb. … Let’s get started.
When it comes to story-telling, protagonists stand in the spotlight. They are primary. Numero Uno. Of chief importance. VIPs. What they do or say affects everything and everybody.
What kind of characteristics do protagonists have? It varies. They might be strong, courageous, and honorable—but with a flaw.
For example:
• In “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” Indiana Jones was definitely heroic—except when it came to (you know) “Snakes!”
• What about Superman? Wow! Now there’s a super-duper hero. Right? … Except for (you know) Kryptonite.
• Hilary Swank won an Oscar for playing Maggie Fitzgerald in “Million Dollar Baby.” What a great performance—except (spoilers) she dies in the end.
How about Erin Brockovich? She’s heroic in real life—as well as in a movie. Not many people can do that. (Plus, she’s still alive.) Yay Hilary!
So, let’s see … Where were we?
Oh, yeah.
Protagonists are people, just like you and me—except they’re not: They run into danger while the rest of us flee. They take on the villain (at High Noon) while we hide in the corner. And sometimes—in saving everyone else’s life—they die, like Natasha, a.k.a. “Black Widow.”
What motivates protagonists? Many things:
• They might be seeking long-lost treasure—like Indiana Jones.
• Or trying to save a family member, as John Wayne did in “The Searchers.”
• Or, like Ripley in “Alien,” they’re fighting a horrible slimy monster.
Protagonists live complicated lives. Something always goes wrong. There are obstacles. False-starts. Set-backs. Betrayals. Mistakes. Good plans go bad; bad things get worse.
So, whether it’s the witch in “Wicked”—or Kermit in “The Muppet Movie,” remember this: “It isn’t Easy Being Green.”
I’m Jim Lamb, and you’ve just learned a little Somethin-Somethin’ about Protagonists.
Copyright 2021