When I first started writing, the term “protagonist” sounded like something out of a textbook. I’d nod along in writing guides and workshops, pretending I knew exactly what it meant, all while secretly wondering: is that just a fancy way of saying “main character”?

Spoiler alert—it is. But there’s a little more to it than that.

The protagonist is the beating heart of your story. They’re the one we follow, cheer for, stress over, and sometimes shout at when they make terrible choices. They don’t need to wear a cape or save the world (though they can), but they do need to want something—and that want is what drives the entire story forward.

Getting to Know Your Hero

In my early stories, I made a classic mistake: I built my plots before I really knew my characters. I’d have twists and turns and clever reveals lined up, but my protagonist felt more like a paper doll being shuffled around than a real person making real decisions.

What I’ve learned since is that the best stories start with the character—not the plot.

Before you start deciding what will happen to your hero, ask yourself:
Who are they, really?
What do they care about? What do they want? And just as importantly—what do they need?

That last one was a game-changer for me.

Wants vs. Needs

This was one of the most helpful distinctions I discovered: a character’s want is usually external. It’s the goal they’re chasing—win the race, solve the mystery, get the guy/girl, save the town. It’s what they think will make everything better.

But the need? That’s internal. It’s emotional. Often, the character doesn’t even realise it at first. Maybe they need to forgive themselves. Maybe they need to trust someone. Maybe they need to stop running and finally face their past.

A strong character arc is often about that shift—from chasing the want to realising the need. And watching them make that transition is what keeps readers turning the pages.

Nobody’s Perfect (and That’s a Good Thing)

Another thing I got wrong early on was trying to make my heroes likeable. I thought people would only root for someone who was nice or noble or brave all the time. But the characters I loved most as a reader were messy, complicated, and sometimes downright frustrating.

That’s because flaws make characters human.

Your hero can be impulsive, arrogant, insecure, reckless. In fact, they should be. Their flaw is often the thing that gets in their way—and overcoming it is part of their journey.

What matters more than perfection is resilience. We love a character who falls down but gets back up again. Who makes mistakes but keeps trying.

Don’t Just Tell Us—Show Us

One thing I’ve learned the hard way: readers connect with action, not just description.

Instead of telling us that your protagonist is loyal, show them sticking up for a friend even when it costs them. Instead of saying they’re afraid of failure, show them freezing up before a big decision.

Let their choices reveal who they are. That’s how they become real in the reader’s mind.

Final Thought

If you’re just starting out, don’t stress about getting your protagonist perfect on the first try. I can’t count how many times I’ve gone back and reshaped my lead character once I better understood their story.

The important thing is to treat them like a real person. Ask questions. Let them surprise you. And remember: the more you care about them, the more your reader will too.

In the next part of this series, I’ll talk about the other key player in any good story—the antagonist. Because a hero is only as strong as the person standing in their way.