Why Do People Tend to Support the Protagonist in a Film?

People tend to support the protagonist in a film for several psychological and narrative reasons. This support is driven by a combination of identification, the hero's journey, moral alignment, conflict and stakes, and narrative focus. Understanding these factors provides a deep insight into the emotional bonds that are formed between the audience and the protagonist.

Identification and Emotional Investment

Viewers often identify with the protagonist, seeing parts of themselves in the character's struggles, desires, and growth. This identification fosters empathy and emotional investment. When a viewer can relate to a character, they are more likely to root for their success and empathize with their journey.

The Hero's Journey

Many films follow the classic hero's journey, a narrative structure that has been widely used since Joseph Campbell's influential book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces. This framework includes a call to adventure, guidance from mentors, overcoming trials, and a return home. The journey of the protagonist is central to the film's narrative, providing a driving force for the audience's engagement.

Moral Alignment and Relatable Characters

Protagonists are often depicted with relatable goals, values, or moral codes, making it easier for the audience to root for them. When a character embodies traits that viewers admire or aspire to, it influences the audience to support them naturally. This moral alignment can include virtues such as courage, perseverance, or integrity, which the audience can identify with.

Conflict and Stakes in the Story

Protagonists often face significant obstacles or antagonists, creating tension and a desire for the character to succeed. The higher the stakes, the more invested viewers become in the protagonist's journey. This investment is amplified when the protagonist's success is tied to the resolution of a significant problem or outcome that affects the story's overarching theme.

Narrative Focus and Character Development

Stories are typically structured around the protagonist's perspective, making their experiences and emotions central to the story. This focus helps viewers connect more deeply with the character, fostering a deeper emotional connection. Protagonists often undergo significant character development, allowing viewers to witness their growth and transformation. This journey can evoke feelings of hope and satisfaction, reinforcing the audience's support for the character.

Cultural and Social Influences

Societal norms and cultural narratives often glorify certain traits and behaviors, making them more relatable and sympathetic to the audience. For example, a character who is considered evil or wrong by mainstream society but has a compelling backstory or moral justification can still be supported by viewers. This is particularly true if the character's actions are a direct response to unjust circumstances or if they are striving to overcome systemic issues.

Conclusion

The truth is that people do not naturally support evil or wrong protagonists. However, they can support protagonists who are often considered evil or wrong by mainstream society, especially if the protagonist is well-written and sympathetic. If people support an evil protagonist, it usually means that the protagonist is well-developed and relatable. Support for a protagonist, regardless of their morality, is driven by factors such as good motivations and goals, flaws, uniqueness, sympathy, and the investment of time and emotional engagement.

Ultimately, the key to building a strong emotional bond with the audience lies in crafting a protagonist who is both relatable and compelling. Whether the character is good or evil, the story must be well-written, and the audience must find a reason to care about the protagonist's journey.