When talking about literature, there are terms used to describe what kind of characters are within the text. Something that can be thought of as very basic when talking about the text is finding protagonist and antagonist. These terms however are very old and used very often when talking about literature, and that’s why they are the first things that are taught to students starting at a young age.
The Greeks, as always, were the ones who coined the words. Protagonist is a leading character or main figure throughout the text that is generally portrayed in a positive light with dimension. The word coming from the Greeks prōtagōnistēs with prōtos meaning first in importance and agōnistēs meaning actor. Whereas antagonist is a character who is actively opposing the protagonist, creating a struggle or competition between the two. The word antagonist comes from the Greek word antagōnizesthai where the “agon” means a struggle or competition. So it makes sense that we see the focal point of the text being around the struggle between the two characters.
In Henrik Ibsen’s play A Doll’s House the character list consists of nine distinct characters, but there’s only one protagonist and one
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She is forced to hide her sweets from him because she knows that he will disapprove and chide her on her eating habits, “Helmer. When did my squirrel come home? Nora. Just now. (Puts the bag of macaroons into her pocket and wipes her mouth.) Come in here, Torvald, and see what I have bought.” (Act 1 Scene 1) And then a little bit later, “Helmer (wagging his finger at her). Hasn't Miss Sweet Tooth been breaking rules in town today? Nora. No; what makes you think that?”(Act 1 Scene 1) It turns the power structure into a father like figure and a young girl or daughter rather than a husband and wife power