In writing, what do we call the main character or force in a story?

The main character or force in a story is referred to as the protagonist. This term is typically used to describe the character who drives the story forward, often facing challenges and undergoing significant changes throughout the narrative. The protagonist is usually the character with whom the audience connects most closely and often embodies the central themes and conflicts of the story.

In contrast, the antagonist often represents opposition to the protagonist, creating conflict within the plot. A character is a more general term that can refer to any individual in the story, while the subject pertains to the overarching topic or theme rather than a specific role within the narrative. Understanding the role of the protagonist is fundamental to analyzing and interpreting stories as it helps to clarify the central conflicts and themes that emerge.