Meaning of Protagonism (What it is, Concept and Definition)

What is Protagonism:

Prominence is understood as quality or condition of protagonist. It originates from Greek protagonistsmade up of particles proto (‘first and agon-istis (‘player’ or ‘fighter’).

The word has different uses depending on the context. In general terms, the protagonism is the condition that makes a person the center of interest and reference in a certain area. In some cases this may have a positive connotation and in others a negative one, depending on the motivations of the protagonist.

Exercising protagonism implies being the center of attention in a specific context, be it the family, the educational institution, work or daily social life.

Not everyone who gains prominence intends it deliberately. Some people play a leading role in their environments in an involuntary or unpremeditated way, as a consequence of their social, intellectual, artistic or sporting abilities.

The word protagonism is usually used to refer to the desire to demonstrate superiority over the rest of the group, whether or not they have merit for it. An example of this would be the expression: “he is only seeking prominence through scandal.”

Although it may seem that a person who seeks prominence only does so through malicious imposition, the intentional pursuit of prominence can also be done through all kinds of seemingly positive activities, such as academic or work excellence, as well as altruism.

Prominence in literature, cinema and theater

In literature, cinema or theater, the one who plays the leading role is the protagonist, the character around whom the plot of the story revolves. We are talking, therefore, about the main character, who will always have an antagonist, that is, a competitor or opponent.

Example: In the classic play known as King Oedipus, it is Oedipus who plays the leading role. History is woven around him. His antagonist will be Creon, his brother-in-law and uncle, who aspired to power.

Another easily identifiable example is represented by fairy tales. In the history Cinderellashe is the protagonist, while her stepmother and evil sisters are the antagonists who oppose the fulfillment of her destiny.