6 Core Emotional Experiences That Make Protagonists Memorable

What makes a protagonist unforgettable? Why do some characters linger in our minds long after the story ends while others fade into obscurity? The answer isn’t just about their actions, depth, or arcs—it’s about the emotional experience they create for the audience. A great protagonist isn’t just a figure in a story; they are a vessel for emotion.

Every compelling protagonist is designed to evoke one or more of the six core emotional experiences in the audience. By understanding these experiences, writers can craft characters that resonate deeply and endure beyond the final page.

1. Identification & Aspiration (The "I See Myself in Them" or "I Want to Be Them" Experience)

One of the most powerful emotional experiences a protagonist can provide is a deep sense of identification or aspiration. Readers either relate to them, feeling their struggles and seeing their own lives reflected, or they aspire to be like them, drawn in by their qualities, success, or sheer willpower.

Why It Works:

• When a character reflects the reader’s own struggles, they become personal.

• When a character embodies traits the reader admires, they become inspiring.

Examples:

• Peter Parker (Spider-Man) – Relatable struggles and a sense of responsibility.

• Luffy (One Piece) – Embodies ultimate freedom and determination.

• Walter White (Breaking Bad) – A power fantasy of taking control of one’s life.

2. Emotional Connection & Investment (The "I Care About Them" Experience)

Some protagonists draw people in emotionally, making the audience feel deeply connected to their struggles, triumphs, and failures. Readers become invested in their journey, feeling protective, compassionate, or deeply attached to their fate.

Why It Works:

• The audience needs to care for stakes to matter.

• Emotionally compelling protagonists drive engagement and loyalty.

Examples:

• Frodo Baggins (The Lord of the Rings) – His suffering and perseverance make us root for him.

• Max Caulfield (Life is Strange) – Her vulnerability and choices pull players in.

• Eren Yeager (Attack on Titan) – His emotional turmoil fuels engagement.

3. Enjoyment & Entertainment (The "I Love Watching Them" Experience)

Some protagonists captivate not because they’re relatable or tragic but because they are fun, charismatic, or unpredictable. They command attention and make every scene engaging, whether through wit, charm, or sheer audacity.

Why It Works:

• Pure entertainment value makes a character magnetic.

• Unpredictable or amusing protagonists bring joy or excitement.

Examples:

• Tony Stark (Iron Man) – Sarcastic genius with effortless charm.

• Deadpool (Deadpool series) – Constantly entertaining with humor and meta-awareness.

• Kaz Brekker (Six of Crows) – Mastermind strategist who always has a trick up his sleeve.

4. Fear & Awe (The "I Respect or Fear Them" Experience)

Some protagonists are too powerful, intelligent, or dangerous to ignore. They command awe, whether through sheer dominance, terrifying unpredictability, or calculated brilliance. Readers and viewers respect their capabilities and feel tension in their presence.

Why It Works:

• People are drawn to power, whether admirable or terrifying.

• These characters create tension, keeping the audience on edge.

Examples:

• Lelouch vi Britannia (Code Geass) – Brilliant and ruthless mastermind.

• Johan Liebert (Monster) – A protagonist-like antagonist who instills dread.

• Aragorn (The Lord of the Rings) – Noble yet intimidating in presence.

5. Catharsis & Emotional Depth (The "I Feel Deeply Because of Them" Experience)

Some protagonists make us feel a profound emotional release—whether through tragedy, triumph, or bittersweet struggles. They pull on our heartstrings, offering moments of catharsis that stay with us.

Why It Works:

• Stories with strong emotional payoffs leave lasting impressions.

• Readers bond deeply with characters who make them feel something powerful.

Examples:

• Joel & Ellie (The Last of Us) – Emotional devastation and hope intertwine.

• Severus Snape (Harry Potter) – A tragic figure whose arc evokes sorrow and respect.

• Kaname Tosen (Bleach) – A character whose misguided path leads to a bittersweet fate.

6. Affection & Attachment (The "I Love Them" Experience)

Some protagonists are just impossible not to love. They exude warmth, charm, or a deeply likable nature, making the audience adore them on a fundamental level. Whether it’s through loyalty, kindness, or sheer likability, they create a positive emotional anchor.

Why It Works:

• Some characters don’t need to be complex—they just need to be lovable.

• Affection creates lasting fan loyalty.

Examples:

• Samwise Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings) – Pure-hearted and endlessly loyal.

• Aang (Avatar: The Last Airbender) – Wholesome, kind, and full of life.

• Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice) – Witty and effortlessly charming.

The Best Protagonists Evoke Multiple Emotional Experiences

The most legendary protagonists don’t just evoke one of these feelings—they combine multiple for a dynamic emotional impact:

• Batman (The Dark Knight) → Fear & Awe + Aspiration + Emotional Depth.

• Luffy (One Piece) → Aspiration + Enjoyment + Attachment.

• Lelouch (Code Geass) → Fear & Awe + Catharsis + Entertainment.

A well-crafted protagonist doesn’t just exist in a story—they create an experience for the audience. Whether they make us laugh, cry, fear, or admire, they embed themselves into our minds by making us feel something.

How to Apply This in Writing

If you're crafting a protagonist, ask yourself:

1. What is the core emotional experience my audience should have toward them?

2. What secondary emotions can I layer in to make them richer?

3. How does their personality, struggles, and actions reinforce this experience?

By starting with the emotional impact, you ensure that your protagonist isn’t just functional in the story but truly unforgettable.