Many writers have a vague understanding of what a protagonist actually is, and the misconceptions in the writing community haven’t helped. Learn what truly makes a character a protagonist (and what doesn’t).
Recently, I was brave enough to share my dissection and analysis of Twilight 😉🙃, and in it, I pointed out that–regardless of what the internet, readers, fans, or even the author says–Edward, not Bella, is the true protagonist (at least in the first installment). It is Edward who embodies what a protagonist actually is. Bella is the viewpoint character, and an important one, but she is not the protagonist.
Do I think this was a conscious decision?
No.
Yet it obviously still worked for a lot of people, regardless.
Most writers, though, are not so lucky.
As an editor, I’ve worked with a lot of new writers who tell me the protagonist is one character, but it actually isn’t.
Because, in the context of the story, that character does not fit the role and definition of a true protagonist. This often makes the plot, and character, weaker.
The problem typically comes from a misunderstanding: The writer thinks that making someone the POV character makes him a “protagonist.” But these are not technically the same.
Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog 