Gothic Protagonist
Definition
A Protagonist is classed as the main character within Gothic literature. Originally the protagonist was a male role but as feminism started to become more pronounced within society women started to role as the protagonist within Gothic literature, as writers such as Clara Reeves began writing with her novel 'The Old English Baron' . Female involvement became more pronounced in the second half of the eighteenth century where the book were voicing female experiences and identities. They are often fighting between good and evil whilst rebelling against authority for example Frankenstein.
Originally the term Protagonist was used within the Greek Drama and referred to the leader of the chorus, as times changed so did the meaning and it soon meant the leader of an onstage play.
Classic protagonists within Gothic literature
include Cathy and Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights, Jekyll and Hyde, Dorian Gray, Dracula and Dr Frankenstein.
Features of the Gothic Protagonist
Features of Gothic Protagonists
Typically the protagonists show a degree of the following
- High Social Rank
- They are foreshadowed by doom from the beginning
- They are easily influenced by past events and let these event effect future decisions
- They have a strong physical presence to everyone around them
- A strong sexual element
- An easy association with the non-human
- Driven by passion
All of these characteristics can be found within Gothic Literature.
Byronic Hero
The Byronic hero is named after the English Romantic poet Lord Byron.The Byronic hero manifested itself from Romantic and Gothic heroes of the 19th century.
Byrons first 'Byronic Hero' featured in his "semi-autobiographical epic narrative poem Childe Harold's Pilgrimage"
Features of a Byronic Hero
Similar to the traditional Romantic protagonist the Byronic hero is often idealised but often has many flaws such as:
- Being disrespectful
- Cynical
- Arrogant
- Emotional conflict
- Rebellious
However alongside these characteristics they have:
- An sexual attractiveness
- Sophisticated and Intelligent
- And are cunning and easily able to adapt
The traditional protagonist is one that suffers mentally
between depression and mania, they tend to be hiding a big secret about themselves and past guilt.
However they use this mystery around themselves as a way to seduce and manipulate people with the intention to destroy.
Readers tend to sympathies with the protagonist but readers tend to feel repulsion or distaste towards the beginning.
They tend to have a predatory instinct, and are secluded because for their madness.
Society tends to outcast because of their failure to obey authority