What is a Deuteragonist? Definition & Examples

Have you ever watched a film or read a book and felt that one character stood out almost as much as the hero? Perhaps this character was at the hero’s side for much of the story, shaping the plot and adding richness to the journey. This person is called the deuteragonist.

Whether you’re a reader, a writer, or just someone who loves understanding stories better, this blog explores the role deuteragonists play in storytelling, why they matter, and how you can spot them. 

Jump to:

The deuteragonist is the second most important person in a story. The term comes from ancient Greek theatre, where the “deuteragonist” was introduced after the “protagonist” (the main character), and often acted as their companion, rival, or complement.

A deuteragonist can be a loyal best friend, a challenging rival, a strong love interest, or sometimes a character whose arc mirrors or contradicts that of the protagonist.

Deuteragonists often highlight different sides of the protagonist, allowing readers or viewers to understand their motivations and struggles more clearly. They can also drive character growth by challenging, supporting, or contrasting the main character. By acting as a mirror or a counterbalance, a deuteragonist can reveal strengths, flaws, and vulnerabilities that might otherwise stay hidden. This dynamic makes the story richer and more layered, allowing readers to connect more deeply with both characters and their journey.

To make sense of where the deuteragonist fits in:

For example, in The Lord of the Rings, Frodo is the protagonist, Samwise is the deuteragonist, and Sauron is the antagonist.

To help you understand the role better, here are some well-known deuteragonist examples:

Although Jack Sparrow is often thought of as the main character, Will Turner is the central focus of the story. This makes Jack Sparrow the deuteragonist.

In the Harry Potter series, Harry is the protagonist, while Hermione Granger serves as the deuteragonist. She supports Harry and plays a key role in many pivotal moments throughout the story.

In the film Titanic, Rose is the main character, and Jack serves as the deuteragonist. He provides depth, motivation, and emotional weight to Rose’s character arc.

In Frozen, Anna is the protagonist, while Elsa acts as the deuteragonist for much of the story.

In The Hunger Games, Katniss is the protagonist, and Peeta serves as the deuteragonist. His character develops alongside hers, and their dynamic drives much of the story.

In the original Star Wars films, Luke is the protagonist, while Han Solo serves as the deuteragonist. His charm, loyalty, and character arc deepen the story and balance Luke’s heroism.

Why do writers use deuteragonists? Here are a few reasons:

If you’ve ever wondered why a character is so memorable, it’s because deuteragonists help create moments of connection and tension that linger long after the story ends.

Creating a strong deuteragonist can make your story more compelling, memorable, and rewarding for readers. Here are a few tips to help you develop a character who shines alongside your protagonist:

Decide why your deuteragonist is in the story. Will they support, challenge, or complicate the protagonist’s journey? Understanding their purpose will help you write a character that feels vital to the plot.

Even if your deuteragonist is very different from the main character, readers should be able to connect with their feelings, struggles, or motivations. This gives them depth and makes readers care about their role.

While a deuteragonist often supports the protagonist, they should also have their own aims, dreams, and challenges. This makes the character more three-dimensional and prevents them from feeling like a mere sidekick.

A strong deuteragonist evolves throughout the story. Perhaps their relationship with the protagonist changes, or their understanding of themselves deepens. Let their arc unfold naturally to give the character resonance and emotional impact.

The best deuteragonists have a compelling relationship with the protagonist, one that sparks conflict, collaboration, or mutual growth. This dynamic can drive moments of tension, emotion, and reflection in the story.

Allow the deuteragonist moments of heroism or vulnerability. This not only develops their character but also gives readers reasons to root for them and remember their role long after the story ends.

The deuteragonist is the second most important character in a story, while the tritagonist is the third. The tritagonist often provides additional support or conflict but plays a smaller role than the protagonist and deuteragonist.

A deuteragonist can be a friend, rival, or even an enemy of the protagonist. What defines them is their significance to the story and their relationship with the main character.

Some stories feature more than one character who can be considered a deuteragonist, especially in ensemble casts where multiple characters have significant arcs and connections to the protagonist.

Deuteragonists usually have a strong presence across much of the storyline, but this doesn’t mean they must appear in every scene. What matters is their overall impact and role within the narrative.

In some stories, a deuteragonist can be an animal, a supernatural being, or even a symbolic force, anything that significantly influences the protagonist’s journey.

In many cases, a deuteragonist becomes the focus of later stories. This allows writers to expand their world and deepen the character’s role.

Now that you’ve explored the role of the deuteragonist in storytelling, you might feel inspired to apply this character to your own stories. The Novel Writing Diploma Course at the Centre of Excellence is the perfect next step. The course is designed for writers of all levels and covers every stage of writing a novel, from initial idea to final polish. For a limited time, you can enrol for a discounted price of £29!