Have you ever been introduced to a character whom you thought would be be the story’s protagonist, only to see them fade to the background—or worse, be killed off—shortly after?
There’s a good chance you’ve been duped by a false protagonist. In this post, we’ll explore why and how writers and filmmakers use these characters to create plot twists or emphasize a central theme.
What Is a False Protagonist?
A false protagonist is the character readers and viewers initially believe to be the protagonist, but in fact is just another supporting character.
Also known as a “decoy” protagonist, the false protagonist is a literary technique often used to create plot twists or support over-arching themes.
They are typically presented at the beginning of the story and given most of the focus, so audiences believe the narrative will revolve around them.
Then, through one method or another (often death), the character is removed form the story or retreats to the background.
False Protagonist Examples
To help you better understand the false protagonist, let’s take a look at some famous examples from film and literature.
Marion Crane in Psycho
Marion Crane in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho is a prime example of the false protagonist. The 1960 film focuses on Marion for the first 30 minutes, making her the obvious protagonist.
Marion steals $40,000 in cash from her boss, hoping it will provide a more certain future for her and her boyfriend, who is in debt. She takes the money and heads out of town, which leads her to stop at the Bates Motel along the way.
Despite her criminal act, viewers can still sympathize with Marion’s situation and her quest to reunite with her lover while avoiding suspicion.
Then, just as we’ve gotten attached to Marion and her mission, she goes to take a shower in her motel room and—cue the most famous shower murder (and horror theme) in cinematic history. Marion is stabbed to death by an unknown killer who appears to be female.
The fact that Marion was set up as the protagonist makes the murder all the more shocking. In fact, Hitchcock felt Mario’s introduction was so critical to the film that he famously compelled theater owners to enforce a “no late admissions” policy.
The clip below shows Marion on the run, while the voice-overs show us the real-time reactions of her co-workers. We see her find shelter at the Bates Motel.
Don Corleone in The Godfather
Fans of Francis Ford Coppola’s 1972 masterpiece The Godfather know that the famous opening scene introduces Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone, the titular Godfather.
It seems pretty clear that Vito must be the protagonist—he’s obviously important, with grown men literally groveling at his feet, calling him “Godfather.”
But as we head outside to the scene of Vito’s daughter’s wedding, in slips Vito’s quiet, unassuming son, Michael, dressed in his army uniform. Certainly a well-mannered war hero who insists he’s not part of the “family business” couldn’t be the protagonist of a mafia film, right?
Wrong. Yes, Michael wanted to be a lawyer or statesman; he didn’t want to follow in his father’s footsteps. And with two older brothers who are already in the business, you’d think he wouldn’t have to.
Yet, although Vito doesn’t die until roughly the last quarter of the film, the movie shows us how a series of events quietly pull Michael into the mob underworld, and before we know it, his father is grooming him to take over the empire.
Michael’s transformation into one of cinema’s most tragic and complicated antiheroes is what the film is really about.
Ned Stark in A Game of Thrones
In both the novel and hit HBO series, the execution of false protagonist Ned Stark was an upset to many fans.
George R. R. Martin’s novel A Game of Thrones features chapters told from the points of view of numerous characters, but the most prominent is Ned Stark.
In the book and show, Stark is generally assumed to be the series’ main protagonist until the final chapters of the novel (and penultimate episode of the first season), when he is unexpectedly executed by beheading.
His death reinforces the idea that bad things can and do happen to good people, and he’s just the first of many fan favorites who would be shockingly killed off throughout the series.
The Purpose of a Decoy Protagonist
As seen in the example of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, the false protagonist can help deliver or emphasize a shocking plot twist.
Just as the audience warms up to the introductory character, the false protagonist is killed or removed from the action, leaving the readers (or viewers) to figure out what will happen next.
Other times, the false protagonist may be there for comedic effect, or to drive home the over-arching theme of the story (much like the example of Michael’s changing role in The Godfather).
However they’re used, false protagonists can elevate a narrative by adding suspense and intrigue, so long as the change serves a purpose and doesn’t just fool readers for no reason.
Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- What is a Protagonist? Common Types and Examples from Literature
- Big Baddies: The 30 Best Villains On Screen and Paper
- The Tragic Hero: Who Are They and How Can They Shape Your Story?
- How to Write Character Flaws: The Importance of Imperfect Characters
As a blog writer for TCK Publishing, Kaelyn loves crafting fun and helpful content for writers, readers, and creative minds alike. She has a degree in International Affairs with a minor in Italian Studies, but her true passion has always been writing. Working remotely allows her to do even more of the things she loves, like traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.
