Deuteragonist

Introduction

A deuteragonist is the second most important character in a story, right after the protagonist. While the protagonist is the central figure around which the narrative revolves, the deuteragonist plays a crucial supportive role that is vital to the development of the plot and the main character’s arc. This character often contrasts with or complements the protagonist, providing a necessary secondary perspective and influencing the narrative’s direction significantly. In many stories, the deuteragonist can also serve as a foil or a catalyst for the protagonist, highlighting their traits and decisions, or pushing the plot toward critical junctures.

Pronunciation:
doo-tuh-RA-guh-nist

When do writers use Deuteragonist literary device?

Writers employ the deuteragonist literary device to enrich the narrative and provide depth to the storytelling. This character is not just a sidekick or a secondary character; they are integral to the protagonist’s journey. The deuteragonist often has their own fully developed story arc that intersects with the main plot, providing alternative viewpoints and emotional complexity. This device is particularly useful in creating tension or conflict, developing the protagonist’s character, or driving the plot forward. In ensemble casts, like in many TV series or multi-protagonist novels, deuteragonists can maintain balance in storytelling by supporting multiple threads simultaneously.

How should I use Deuteragonist literary device?

To effectively use the deuteragonist literary device, consider the following rules:

1. Ensure They Have a Purpose: The deuteragonist should have a clear role in relation to the protagonist, such as a friend, rival, or mentor. This relationship should impact the main narrative.
2. Develop Their Character: Though they are not the primary focus, deuteragonists require a well-developed personality and background. Their motivations and actions should be as compelling as those of the protagonist.
3. Integrate Their Arc: The deuteragonist’s story arc should intertwine with the main plot, influencing or mirroring the protagonist’s journey. Their presence should add layers to the story, not just fill space.
4. Use Them to Explore Themes: Deuteragonists are excellent tools for exploring different facets of the story’s themes, providing a contrast or a different take on the central issues faced by the protagonist.
5. Balance Screen Time: While the protagonist takes the spotlight, balance the narrative so that the deuteragonist also receives enough attention to develop their arc and impact the story meaningfully.

Types of Deuteragonist

Deuteragonists can vary widely depending on their relationship to the protagonist and their role in the story. Here are some common types:

1. The Confidant: This type of deuteragonist is a close friend or advisor to the protagonist, often helping to reveal the inner thoughts or struggles of the main character through dialogues or joint activities.
2. The Foil: Opposite in many traits to the protagonist, this deuteragonist highlights key qualities of the main character by contrast. They are not necessarily antagonistic but have differing enough views or behaviors to challenge the protagonist.
3. The Rival: Competing with the protagonist in some way, the rival deuteragonist can either be a friendly competitor pushing the protagonist to grow, or a more antagonistic figure, creating significant conflict and tension.
4. The Love Interest: Often a significant driver of the plot, this deuteragonist adds romantic tension and personal stakes for the protagonist, enriching the narrative’s emotional layer.
5. The Mentor: This wise and often older deuteragonist provides guidance and wisdom to the protagonist, helping them to overcome trials and grow throughout the story.

Deuteragonist in Literature

Literature is replete with memorable deuteragonists who enrich the stories they inhabit. Here are some famous examples:

1. Dr. John Watson in “Sherlock Holmes” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: Watson is not just a companion to Holmes but his chronicler, providing insights into Holmes’ genius and serving as an everyman for readers to relate to.
2. Samwise Gamgee in “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien: As Frodo’s steadfast companion, Sam plays a critical role in the success of their mission, demonstrating loyalty and courage that are essential to the story’s resolution.
3. Hassan in “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini: Hassan’s character serves as a moral compass and a stark contrast to the protagonist, profoundly affecting the protagonist’s development and the plot’s direction.
4. Nick Carraway in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Serving as both the narrator and a character in the story, Nick provides a unique perspective on the tragic figure of Jay Gatsby and the world of excess around him.

Deuteragonist in Children’s Books

In children’s literature, deuteragonists often serve as moral, emotional, or adventurous guides for the protagonist. Some notable examples include:

1. Hermione Granger in “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling: As one of Harry Potter’s closest friends, her intelligence and loyalty are crucial to navigating the challenges they face.
2. Tigger in “Winnie the Pooh” by A.A. Milne: Tigger’s exuberant personality provides a dynamic counterpoint to Pooh’s more placid nature, adding excitement and energy to their adventures.
3. Rajah in “Aladdin” from Disney’s adaptation of the classic Middle-Eastern folk tale: As Princess Jasmine’s pet tiger and confidant, Rajah offers protective companionship that supports Jasmine’s narrative.

Deuteragonist in Poetry

Deuteragonists in poetry are less common than in prose, given the condensed and often abstract nature of the form. However, they can still play significant roles in narrative or epic poems. Here are a few instances:

1. Enkidu in “The Epic of Gilgamesh”: As Gilgamesh’s friend and counterpart, Enkidu’s interactions with Gilgamesh serve to explore themes of friendship, mortality, and humanity.
2. Virgil in “The Divine Comedy” by Dante Alighieri: In this seminal work, Virgil acts as Dante’s guide through Hell and Purgatory, providing wisdom and context to the journey that Dante undertakes.

These examples show how deuteragonists across various forms of literature and poetry enrich narratives by adding depth, contrast, and complexity.

Deuteragonist in Songs

Songs often tell stories or convey emotions through the interplay of characters just like any other form of narrative. Here are ten famous songs where a deuteragonist plays a significant role:

1. “Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles: Father McKenzie, writing the sermon that no one will hear, serves as a deuteragonist, highlighting themes of loneliness and despair.
2. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton: Jolene, the stunningly beautiful woman, is the deuteragonist whose potential to take the narrator’s man underscores the song’s theme of vulnerability and desperation.
3. “Stan” by Eminem: The titular character, Stan, serves as the deuteragonist, whose obsession with Eminem drives the narrative of the song.
4. “Lyin’ Eyes” by Eagles: The young man who is the other love interest of the woman, serving as a deuteragonist by highlighting the conflict and infidelity central to the song.
5. “The Boxer” by Simon & Garfunkel: The protagonist’s partner, who remains unnamed, shares the struggles and failures, highlighting the song’s themes of perseverance and pain.
6. “Caroline” by Outkast: Caroline, the deuteragonist, is the self-centered woman who Big Boi criticizes, thereby shaping the song’s satirical tone.
7. “Copa Cabana” by Barry Manilow: Lola’s lover, Rico, acts as a deuteragonist whose actions drive the tragedy in the song.
8. “Jeremy” by Pearl Jam: The parents and classmates of Jeremy serve as collective deuteragonists, influencing his tragic decision.
9. “Roxanne” by The Police: Roxanne herself, as the woman whom Sting is singing to, is a deuteragonist, her lifestyle choices shaping the plea in the lyrics.
10. “Hotel California” by The Eagles: The woman “Tiffany-twisted with the Mercedes Benz,” plays a deuteragonist role, symbolizing the materialism and excess the song critiques.

Deuteragonist in Movies

Here are some notable examples of deuteragonists in films:

1. Buzz Lightyear in “Toy Story”: As Woody’s rival turned friend, Buzz significantly influences Woody’s journey and the overall narrative.
2. Dr. King Schultz in “Django Unchained”: Schultz serves as a mentor and partner to Django, playing a crucial role in his quest for freedom.
3. Gollum in “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”: Gollum provides critical guidance to Frodo and Sam while also embodying the central conflict over the power of the Ring.
4. Morpheus in “The Matrix”: As a mentor to Neo, Morpheus drives much of the philosophical and existential inquiry that defines the film.
5. Ethel Thayer in “On Golden Pond”: Ethel supports and challenges her husband Norman, sharing the spotlight in a story about aging and family dynamics.

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Famous Movie Line Highlighting Deuteragonist

In “The Dark Knight,” Harvey Dent’s transformation into Two-Face and his philosophical downfall are critical to the film’s exploration of heroism and morality. A key line that highlights his role as a deuteragonist comes from Batman:
“You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”

YouTube Link of Movie Clip Demonstrating Deuteragonist

Watch this pivotal scene from “The Matrix”, where Morpheus offers Neo the choice between the red pill and the blue pill, a defining moment that highlights Morpheus’s role as a deuteragonist.

Deuteragonist in Advertising

In advertising, the deuteragonist is often used to create relatable scenarios or to demonstrate the benefits of a product or service. Examples include:

1. The “Most Interesting Man in the World” commercials for Dos Equis: The secondary characters reacting to the protagonist’s tales emphasize his extraordinary nature.
2. Apple’s “1984” commercial: The runner who smashes the screen is technically a deuteragonist opposing the passive masses, illustrating the theme of breaking conformity.
3. Progressive Insurance ads featuring “Flo”: Flo’s interactions with customers or her colleagues, who often act as deuteragonists, help highlight the benefits and features of Progressive’s insurance policies.

Deuteragonist Related Literary Devices

Here are some literary devices often associated with or enhanced by the use of a deuteragonist:

1. Foil: A character that contrasts with another, usually the protagonist, to highlight particular qualities of the main character.
2. Dialogue: Deuteragonists often engage in conversations that reveal critical thematic elements or advance the plot.
3. Parallel Plot: The storyline of a deuteragonist can run parallel to the main plot, intersecting at key points to enrich the narrative.
4. Character Development: The interaction between the protagonist and deuteragonist can be crucial for character development, often revealing hidden aspects of their personalities.
5. Narrative Perspective: In some cases, the deuteragonist provides an alternative perspective on the story, either through a different worldview or through literal narrative contributions, such as alternating chapters in a novel or voiceovers in films.