In storytelling, the writer acts as the master of their universe, shaping events and breathing life into every creature, figure, or essence within the narrative. Whether simple or complex, any such presence becomes a character in the story.

Main Characters: Protagonist, Deuteragonist, Antagonist

In cinema and television, a range of characters takes on major roles throughout episodes, seasons, or full story arcs. These roles—while not always consistent in every scene—are central to the narrative’s direction.

Take Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy, for example: each film features a different villain. Meanwhile, the Harry Potter series maintains a consistent primary antagonist. This contrast highlights how main roles can shift or remain steady depending on the story structure.

Protagonist

Derived from ancient Greek drama, the term protagonist refers to the central character in a story. They are the driving force behind the narrative—though not necessarily a traditional hero. A protagonist could be a hero, an anti-hero, or even a villain, depending on the perspective. While all heroes are protagonists, not all protagonists are heroes.

Deuteragonist

Despite its unfamiliar name, the deuteragonist is simply the second most important character, usually a close ally of the protagonist. Think Trinity and Morpheus in The Matrix—integral to the story, but still revolving around Neo. In anime, characters like Puck in Berserk support the protagonist without overshadowing the narrative.

Antagonist

The antagonist stands in opposition to the protagonist and is defined by this contrast. Interestingly, this role isn’t always filled by a villain. In a story centered on Joker, for instance, Batman could become the antagonist simply by being the opposing force. A story can have multiple antagonists, and their role is based on narrative structure, not moral alignment.

Supporting Characters

As stories grow in scale and complexity, supporting characters fill in the world, each introduced with a distinct purpose. They may serve as love interests, mentors, or companions, often helping to develop the protagonist’s arc and emotions.

Sidekicks

Characters like Sam (The Lord of the Rings), Donkey (Shrek), or Dory (Finding Nemo) are memorable sidekicks. While they sometimes overlap with deuteragonists, sidekicks usually serve as comic relief or emotional support, accompanying the hero without leading the story.

Mentors

The mentor archetype—Yoda in Star Wars, Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid, or Master Shifu in Kung Fu Panda—is a wise figure guiding the protagonist toward growth. A well-written mentor appears when needed and exits at the right moment, allowing the hero to stand independently.

Contrast Characters

These characters often begin as allies but become ideological or moral opposites of the protagonist. Their divergence creates tension and conflict, even if they aren't outright villains.

Villains

Villains are shaped by their past, trauma, or inner flaws. Their descent into darkness is often gradual and psychologically rooted. Unlike mere antagonists, villains embody a threat not just to the protagonist, but to the broader moral or emotional balance of the story.

This layered understanding of character roles allows writers to craft richer, more dynamic screenplays where each character serves a clear, compelling purpose—moving the plot forward and deepening the emotional impact.

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A Guide to Screenplay Characters: From Protagonists to Antagonists