Definitions of protagonist

Here are the definitions I was going to give you for the activity I had planned this afternoon (all definitions are linked to their sources). If any of you are stuck for a blog post topic, you could write about these questions:

1. Each of these 3 categories emphasizes a different aspect of the term protagonist. Would the protagonist in Wieland change depending on which definition you were using?

2. For those of you who think Clara is the protagonist (i.e., all of you, as it turns out): in what way can Clara be said to be the "chief actor" or "first actor"? Can you make a case for any other characters as the protagonist based on the etymology?

3. Look at the 2 literary handbook definitions. One emphasizes "interest and empathy"---that is, the reader's psychological and emotional response to the character; the other stresses structural narrative elements such as theme and plot. Which definition do you prefer? Explain how these different definitions would generate different expectations for reading fiction.

Dictionary:
the principal character in a work of fiction

the main character (the central or primary personal figure) of a literary, theatrical, cinematic, video game, or musical narrative, around whom the events of the narrative's plot revolve

Etymology:
from the Greek protagonistes, "one who plays the first part, chief actor"

Greek prōtagōnistēs, from prōt- prot- + agōnistēs competitor at games, actor, from agōnizesthai to compete, from agōn contest, competition at games — more at agony
First Known Use: 1671

Literary handbooks:
The main character of a narrative; its central character who engages the reader's interest and empathy.

The central character of a story who serves as a focus for its themes and incidents and as the principal rationale for its development.