In literature, what term refers to the main character of a story?

The term that refers to the main character of a story is "protagonist." In literature, the protagonist is often the central figure around whom the narrative revolves. This character's experiences, conflicts, and development are crucial for driving the plot forward and engaging the reader.

The protagonist typically faces challenges and obstacles, and their journey often involves significant growth or change. Understanding the protagonist is key to analyzing themes, motivations, and the overall message of the story.

In contrast, the antagonist is the character who opposes the protagonist, creating conflict. While a hero can often be a protagonist, not all protagonists are necessarily heroic in nature. Supporting characters, on the other hand, play roles that complement the protagonist but are not the central focus of the story.