Published: March 18, 2025 | Last Updated: April 11, 2025
Stories are built around characters, each playing a unique role in shaping the narrative.
While terms like protagonist, deuteragonist, and tritagonist describe a character’s importance, some stories categorize characters based on their function rather than their hierarchy.
Understanding key character roles, from main characters to background figures, helps us appreciate how narratives are structured. Below is a breakdown of key character roles, definitions, and examples from modern films and classic literature.
Protagonist
The protagonist is the main character driving the story. They face challenges, make key decisions, and undergo the most significant transformation.
Examples:
- Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice, 1813) – The novel revolves around her growth, wit, and romantic journey with Mr. Darcy.
- Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games, 2012) – Katniss is the face of a rebellion and the story follows her fight for survival against a tyrannical regime.
Read more on protagonists in film.
Deuteragonist
The deuteragonist is the second-most important character, often the protagonist’s ally, rival, or mentor.
Examples:
- Dr. John Watson (Sherlock Holmes stories, 1887–1927) – Watson narrates Holmes’s adventures and serves as a grounded counterpart to the brilliant detective.
- Samwise Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings films, 2001–2003) – Frodo’s loyal companion, providing emotional and physical support on the quest.
Read more on deuteragonists in film.
Tritagonist
The tritagonist is the third-most important character, playing a key but supporting role.
Examples:
- Han Solo (Star Wars original trilogy, 1977–1983) – The roguish smuggler provides heroics and comic relief while supporting Luke and Leia.
- Tom Sawyer (Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, 1884) – Huck’s adventurous friend whose schemes complicate the novel’s climax.
Read more on tritagonists in film.
Tetartagonist
The tetartagonist is the fourth-most important character, usually supporting but not central to the main storyline.
Examples:
- Obi-Wan Kenobi (Star Wars: A New Hope, 1977) – A mentor figure guiding Luke before his early exit from the story.
- Charles Bingley (Pride and Prejudice, 1813) – His romance with Jane Bennet is a subplot that affects Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship.
Pentagonist
The pentagonist is the fifth-most important character, often with a minor but significant role.
Examples:
- Chewbacca (Star Wars saga) – Han Solo’s loyal co-pilot and a vital supporting figure in many battles.
- Lydia Bennet (Pride and Prejudice, 1813) – Her reckless elopement creates a crisis that pushes Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship forward.
The examples above are supported by character analyses and references from literature guides and film/media documentation, which confirm each character’s role and importance in their story. Whether driving the plot or supporting the protagonist, each character’s contribution illustrates their respective role as protagonist, deuteragonist, tritagonist, tetartagonist, or pentagonist.
Beyond this, stories usually just refer to characters as supporting characters, minor characters, or background characters rather than continuing this sequence. Some works with large ensemble casts don’t follow strict numerical rankings and instead categorize characters based on narrative function, such as antagonists, foil characters, or love interests.
Supporting Characters
Characters who significantly aid the protagonist but are not the main focus. They provide depth and enhance the storyline.
Examples:
- Sancho Panza (Don Quixote, 1605) – A humorous yet wise squire who balances Don Quixote’s fantasies with realism.
- Samwise Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings films) – His unwavering loyalty keeps Frodo going on his journey.
Minor Characters
Characters who appear occasionally and serve small but important roles.
Examples:
- Primrose Everdeen (The Hunger Games, 2012) – Her selection in the reaping prompts Katniss to volunteer, setting the story in motion.
- The Apothecary (Romeo and Juliet, 1597) – Provides the poison that enables the play’s tragic ending.
Background Characters
Characters who populate the world but do not affect the plot.
Examples:
- Hogwarts classmates (e.g., Padma and Parvati Patil) (Harry Potter films) – Appear in school settings but have no major impact on the main storyline.
- Father Zosima (The Brothers Karamazov, 1880) – His philosophical teachings influence the novel’s themes, but he does not drive the plot.
Antagonists
A character who opposes the protagonist, creating conflict.
Examples:
- The Joker (The Dark Knight, 2008) – A chaotic villain who pushes Batman to his moral limits.
- Iago (Othello, 1603) – His manipulation leads to Othello’s tragic downfall.
Read more on antagonists in film.
Foil Characters
A character who contrasts with the protagonist to highlight specific traits.
Examples:
- Draco Malfoy (Harry Potter series) – His arrogance and cruelty emphasize Harry’s kindness and humility.
- Laertes (Hamlet, 1601) – His impulsive nature contrasts with Hamlet’s indecision.
Read more on foil characters in film.
Love Interests
A character whose primary role revolves around a romantic relationship with the protagonist.
Examples:
- Mary Jane Watson (Spider-Man, 2002) – Peter Parker’s love for MJ affects his choices as both a person and a hero.
- Daisy Buchanan (The Great Gatsby, 1925) – Gatsby’s pursuit of wealth and status is entirely driven by his love for Daisy.
Summing
While protagonist, deuteragonist, and tritagonist are useful labels, many stories categorize characters by their function rather than strict numerical rankings. Understanding these roles—whether as antagonists, foils, or supporting figures—provides insight into how narratives are built and why some characters leave a lasting impact.
Read Next: What are character archetypes?
