Creative Writing Tip

This question came up in our Writers for a Reason Unite membership group recently – How many protagonists can you have?

Usually, we think of having one protagonist, but can you have more if you want to?

Well, you could have a couple of characters who have equal importance.

There is also such a thing as a group protagonist. This is where a group of characters are acting together. Enid Blyton’s Famous Five would be in this category.

Or you can tell a story through several characters’ eyes, perhaps giving them a chapter/part of the book each.

There are infinite variations on this theme, but here’s my honest recommendation.

Keep it simple.

If it works, have one protagonist, with a friend or two. Almost all the best-loved, enduring stories, have this format.

If you just have one protagonist, readers can get to know them really well. Plus you don’t have to slow down your plot by introducing a bunch of characters, and your readers won’t ever get confused because they can’t remember who’s who. (We’ve all been there, and it’s grim, isn’t it?)

What do you think? Do you agree? Let me know what you think – always love to hear from you!

Have a great writing week,

Janet