Which character role typically embodies the main conflict in a story?

The protagonist is the character who typically drives the main conflict of a story. This character experiences the primary challenges and struggles that form the core narrative, often embodying the themes and messages of the work. The protagonist's journey is usually central to the plot, determining how the conflict unfolds and eventually resolves.

While the antagonist presents obstacles and opposition to the protagonist, it is the protagonist whose motivations, decisions, and growth are at the heart of the conflict. The supporting characters and foil may enhance the story and highlight certain traits of the protagonist, but they do not primarily embody the conflict themselves. Therefore, identifying the protagonist as the character embodying the main conflict is key to understanding the narrative structure.