What do you think of when you hear the word “protagonist”? A strong, brave hero? A beautiful damsel in distress? While those may be fine characters in their own right, they’re also pretty common. Conventional even. What if you want to break away from the norms and create a really unique protagonist, a character that readers can’t help but root for? Here are some tips to help you break free from genre stereotypes and write unconventional protagonists that really stand out! 🚀

##1. Consider Flaws Over Perfection ☠️

Nobody’s perfect, and your protagonist shouldn’t be either. Instead of trying to create the perfect hero, think about what flaws and weaknesses your character might have. Maybe she’s got a bad temper, or he struggles with addiction. By giving your protagonist flaws, you make them more relatable to readers and also give them room to grow and change over the course of the story. Plus, a flawed hero can be a lot more interesting to read about!

A cartoon character with a speech bubble that says "I'm not perfect" beside a thought bubble that says "But I'm still the hero!"

##2. Experiment with Gender, Ethnicity, and Sexuality 🏳️‍🌈

The traditional hero is often a white, straight, cisgender male. But what if your protagonist were a black woman? Or a transgender person? By experimenting with different genders, ethnicities, and sexualities, you can create characters that challenge expectations and provide a fresh perspective on the world. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and write characters that are different from you.

A group of diverse cartoon characters standing side by side, each with a different skin tone, hairstyle, and clothing style.

##3. Give Your Protagonist a Unique Goal 🎯

Typically, a hero’s goal is to save the world, or rescue a princess, or defeat a monster. But what if your protagonist’s goal was something more personal and unconventional? Maybe she wants to be the first person to climb a particular mountain, or he wants to prove that aliens exist. Giving your protagonist a unique goal can not only make your story stand out but can also make your character more relatable to readers.

A cartoon character standing on a mountaintop with a flag that says "First!"

##4. Make Them Morally Ambiguous 😈

Heroes are expected to be good, right? Well, what if your protagonist wasn’t necessarily so black-and-white? Maybe she’s an antihero, doing the right thing for all the wrong reasons. Or perhaps he’s a villain in disguise, pretending to be good in order to achieve his own goals. Playing with morality can create complex characters that readers can’t help but be fascinated by.

A cartoon character with an evil grin and devil horns, standing in front of a "right path" and a "wrong path" sign pointing opposite ways

##5. Show Vulnerability and Weakness 😓

Even heroes get scared, and showing that vulnerability is what makes them more than just cardboard cutouts. Think about how your protagonist reacts when things get tough. What are their weaknesses? Maybe they’re afraid of losing their loved ones, or they freeze up in the face of danger. By showing vulnerability and weakness, you make your protagonist more empathetic and more human.

A cartoon character sitting on a park bench, looking sad and defeated

##Conclusion: Write Your Own Story 📝

At the end of the day, you’re the author, and you get to decide what your protagonist looks like, acts like, and wants. Don’t be afraid to break free from the stereotypes and create a character that is truly unique. The key is to make your protagonist relatable, flawed, and interesting. So go forth and write your own story, with a protagonist that will captivate your readers’ hearts and minds! 💕

A cartoon character sitting at a desk, writing in a notebook with a pencil, surrounded by crumpled pieces of paper and empty coffee cups