How to Write a Protagonist: 5 Traits of a Good Main Character
Direct Answers
What is the Shonen formula for writing a protagonist?
The Shonen formula is a four-part method used to build the classic archetype for a main character. First, they must possess a youthful energy, which means having optimism, passion, and a sense of hope to chase their dreams.
Second, the hero needs a massive, life-changing goal that feels impossible to reach. Third, they must face huge internal and external struggles that test their emotions and physical limits.
Finally, they cannot achieve their goals alone. They need friends to inspire them, fight alongside them, and help them grow throughout their journey.
How do you make a protagonist relatable to the audience?
You make a protagonist relatable by giving them real emotions and universal struggles that mirror the inner world of your audience. Even if the character lives in a world of superpowers or magic, they should still make mistakes, experience self-doubt, and wrestle with their own fears.
When a character feels unsure of themselves but works hard to prove they are capable, it reminds people of their own lives. Anyone who has felt inadequate or afraid of failure will connect deeply with a hero who shares those same human insecurities.
Why should a main character challenge their own beliefs?
A main character must challenge their own beliefs to grow and become a better version of themselves over the course of the story. As the plot unfolds, they will face challenges that force them to realize their previous way of thinking might be flawed.
They might start with a simple worldview and eventually learn that life is full of gray areas. This process of rethinking their values and letting go of destructive beliefs makes the protagonist feel dynamic and real.
It keeps the audience deeply invested in their personal growth.
What makes a protagonist's personality easy to describe?
A great protagonist has a personality that is so clear and understandable that you can sum it up in just a few words. If you need a long explanation to describe your main character, their personality is not clear enough.
For example, some heroes are simply hardworking and relentless, while others are free-spirited and adventurous. Focusing on a single defining trait or their absolute biggest strength and flaw helps solidify who they are.
This makes the character highly memorable and instantly recognizable to anyone engaging with the story.
How do you give a main character a unique angle?
You give a main character a unique angle by introducing a specific hook that sets them apart from typical stereotypes and boring tropes. One approach is the inside war, where the protagonist battles their own emotional struggles as much as physical enemies.
Another option is giving them dual personalities, revealing a serious side beneath a goofy exterior. You can also use an evil versus evil dynamic, where a morally gray character fights against something worse.
Finally, you can give them an unwavering determination that pushes them to survive intense suffering.
The Core Elements of a Great Hero
Have you ever wondered why you get attached to certain characters? You become deeply invested in the type of protagonist who inspires you to become better and keeps you glued to the story.
There is a method to writing these characters. We will cover the five traits that every Shonen protagonist has, showing you exactly how to write a legendary main character.
Follow the Shonen Formula
Shonen anime and manga have a pattern that every great hero follows. It is a four-part method called the Shonen formula used to build the archetype.
First, they are youthful. It is not about age, but rather about energy, optimism, and a sense of hope.
Your protagonist could be a teenager or an adult, but they should still have the passion to chase their dreams.
Next, they have a massive goal. The hero should dream of the impossible and chase something so big that it defines who they are.
They also face huge struggles. They battle emotional internal struggles like self-doubt, along with physical battles against tough opponents.
Finally, they cannot do it alone. No matter how strong they are, their friends inspire them, fight with them, and help them grow.
Make Them Extremely Relatable
A great protagonist feels like a real person. They may live in a world of superpowers, monsters, and magic, but their emotions and struggles are deeply real.
You watch them make mistakes, doubt themselves, and wrestle with their emotions. Relatability is about understanding their inner world so their fears and hopes match our own.
If a hero feels insecure and unsure of themselves, they work hard to prove they are capable. Anyone who has felt not good enough will connect with a character who struggles with self-doubt and fear of failure.
Challenge Their Own Beliefs
A great protagonist grows by questioning their worldview and changing how they think. It is about realizing that their previous way of thinking might be flawed.
As the story unfolds, they face challenges which force them to rethink their values and priorities. They might start with a black and white view of the world before finding that life is full of gray areas.
They could start the story chasing a dream, but they would learn that the journey matters more than the destination. This ability to change their beliefs makes the protagonist feel dynamic and keeps the audience invested in their growth.
Give Them an Easy to Describe Personality
A great protagonist has a personality that is easy to understand and remember. When you think of them, you should be able to sum them up in just a few words.
A long, drawn out explanation shows your character is not clear enough. Characters should have a defining trait, whether they are hardworking, free-spirited, or cheerful but determined.
Focus on their biggest strength and their biggest flaw. If your protagonist is hard to describe, you must focus on their single best trait.
Create a Unique Angle
A protagonist needs an angle that sets them apart from all the others. This is crucial to avoid stereotypes and boring tropes.
One unique angle is the inside war, where a quiet protagonist battles themselves as much as they battle others. Another angle is dual personalities, where a character shows a goofy side to the world but reveals a highly strategic side in certain moments.
You can also explore an evil versus evil angle, featuring a morally gray protagonist who fights against something they believe is far worse. Finally, you might choose an unwavering determination, where the hero refuses to give up even when it costs them everything.
Putting the Five Traits Together
These five traits create a legendary character that is both unforgettable and relatable. They follow the Shonen formula by being youthful, having huge goals, facing big challenges, and relying on friends.
They also feel relatable, learn to change their limiting beliefs, and have a clear personality. Combine these with a unique angle, like a dual personality or an unbreakable will, to write an incredible main character.