Who is referred to as the "protagonist" in a story?

The term "protagonist" specifically refers to the main character in a narrative, the one around whom the plot centers. This character often faces significant challenges and experiences development throughout the story. Protagonists typically drive the action forward, and their motivations and decisions are crucial to the story's unfolding.

In literature, the protagonist is usually involved in a central conflict, and their journey often involves personal growth or transformation. They are the character that readers are most likely to connect with emotionally, as their goals and stakes create investment in the story.

In contrast, characters who cause conflict or oppose the protagonist do not fulfill the role of the protagonist themselves; they may be rivals or antagonists that create challenges for the protagonist to overcome. Similarly, a minor character serves more of a supporting role and does not have the same level of narrative focus or thematic importance as the protagonist. This distinction underscores why the correct answer focuses on the main character around whom the story revolves.