Creating a memorable protagonist is the foundation of any great screenplay. A compelling protagonist drives your story forward, connects with the audience, and leaves a lasting impact. But what makes a protagonist truly unforgettable?
It’s not just about creating a likable character—it’s about crafting someone complex, relatable, and capable of growth. In this article, we’ll break down the secret formula for writing a protagonist that not only grabs attention but sticks with your audience long after the credits roll.
1. Make Them Flawed (But Still Likable)
The most unforgettable protagonists are the ones that feel real—flaws and all. Perfection is boring, and audiences struggle to connect with characters who seem invincible or too “perfect.” To make your protagonist stand out, give them imperfections that make them feel human.
Why It Works:
- Relatability: Flaws make characters more relatable, and people love to root for underdogs.
- Growth Potential: Flaws set the stage for personal growth, which is a key part of character-driven stories.
- Emotional Investment: When a character struggles, we care more about whether they succeed or fail.
Example: In The Wolf of Wall Street, Jordan Belfort is a wildly flawed character—greedy, dishonest, and manipulative—but his charisma and vulnerability make him compelling. His flaws allow for a deeper exploration of morality and ambition.
2. Give Them a Clear Goal (With High Stakes)
A protagonist without a clear goal is like a ship without a rudder. To make your character unforgettable, give them a strong, clear objective that the audience can understand and invest in. What do they want, and what’s at stake if they don’t achieve it?
Why It Works:
- Focuses the Story: A protagonist’s goal drives the plot and ensures that the story moves forward.
- Raising the Stakes: The higher the stakes, the more compelling the protagonist’s journey becomes.
- Audience Engagement: When the audience knows what the character wants, they’re more likely to root for them to succeed.
Example: In Mad Max: Fury Road, Max’s goal is simple—survival. However, Furiosa’s goal is much more complex: to escape oppression and bring the women she’s rescued to safety. The high personal and moral stakes create a powerful emotional connection to the audience.
3. Make Their Flaws an Obstacle to Their Goal
A great protagonist’s flaws should get in the way of their ultimate goal. This creates internal conflict, which is key to a strong character arc. Your protagonist needs to face their own demons before they can overcome external obstacles.
Why It Works:
- Internal Conflict Drives Drama: If the character’s flaws are in direct conflict with their goal, you create compelling internal drama.
- Character Growth: The resolution of the internal conflict is often what drives the character’s growth.
- Relatability: We’ve all faced obstacles created by our own weaknesses, so watching a character overcome them feels universally satisfying.
Example: In Silver Linings Playbook, Pat Solitano’s struggle with his bipolar disorder is a major obstacle to both his personal happiness and his relationship with Tiffany. His inability to control his emotions and impulses creates both tension and comedy in the film.
4. Give Them a Meaningful Flaw or Conflict to Overcome
Unforgettable protagonists often face a challenge that forces them to confront their personal flaws or inner demons. Whether it’s fear, insecurity, or past trauma, the conflict should be something deeply personal and meaningful to the character.
Why It Works:
- Deepens the Character: Characters with emotional or psychological depth are always more compelling.
- Provides a Clear Arc: Overcoming their flaw should be the ultimate character arc that drives the story.
- Engages the Audience: Audiences connect with characters who face struggles they can relate to on a personal level.
Example: In The Pursuit of Happyness, Chris Gardner’s internal conflict is his fear of failure and the need to provide for his son while grappling with his own insecurities. The resolution of this internal conflict gives the story its emotional punch.
5. Put Them in Tough Situations and Force Them to Act
An unforgettable protagonist doesn’t sit on the sidelines—they act. They make decisions, take risks, and do whatever it takes to achieve their goal. The key is to put your character in tough situations that force them to act, even when they’re unsure or afraid.
Why It Works:
- Shows Agency: A protagonist who is proactive (even if flawed) is far more compelling than one who reacts to events.
- Action Reveals Character: The decisions your protagonist makes in high-pressure situations reveal who they are at their core.
- Keeps the Audience Invested: Watching a character struggle and make bold choices keeps the audience on the edge of their seat.
Example: In The Hunger Games, Katniss volunteers as tribute not because she has no choice but because she’s willing to sacrifice herself for her sister. Her choice shapes the entire story and shows her agency and growth.
6. Make Their Relationships Matter
A protagonist’s relationships are often a reflection of who they are and their emotional state. Whether it’s with friends, family, or romantic interests, their connections to others should help reveal their true character and push them toward their ultimate goal.
Why It Works:
- Deepens Emotional Impact: Relationships bring emotional stakes and help audiences connect with the protagonist.
- Supports the Character Arc: How the protagonist interacts with others can demonstrate their growth.
- Adds Conflict: Relationships, especially toxic ones, can serve as additional obstacles to the protagonist’s goal.
Example: In A Star is Born, Ally’s relationship with Jackson Maine is integral to her emotional journey. As she navigates fame and love, her relationship with Jackson mirrors her internal struggles with identity and self-worth.
7. Make Their Victory Feel Earned
When your protagonist succeeds, it should feel earned. Whether they win or lose, the resolution should be satisfying and directly tied to their character development.
Why It Works:
- Emotional Satisfaction: The audience should feel that the protagonist’s success (or failure) is a result of their growth throughout the story.
- Character Development: A strong ending reflects the protagonist’s arc and reinforces the themes of the film.
- Creates Lasting Impact: A well-earned victory is one that resonates long after the story ends.
Example: In Rocky, Rocky doesn’t win the fight, but his victory is emotional. He succeeds by proving to himself and the audience that he is capable of going the distance, despite the odds.
Fresh Resources for Crafting an Unforgettable Protagonist
- Helping Writers Become Authors: A great blog that dives into character creation and story structure.
- The Anatomy of Story by John Truby for deeper insights into creating multi-dimensional characters.
- Writer’s Digest: Tips and advice on writing compelling characters.
Final Thoughts: Create Protagonists That Resonate
An unforgettable protagonist is one that feels real—complex, relatable, and capable of growth. By giving them clear goals, personal flaws, and meaningful stakes, you can create a character that drives your entire story and leaves an emotional impact on your audience.
Further Reading:
- The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler for understanding archetypes and character development.
- ScreenCraft: A great resource for screenwriting advice, including crafting strong characters.
