Roopa Banerjee

A tritagonist is the third most important character in a story. She may act as the instigator or cause of suffering of the protagonist. Her presence in a tale ensures sympathy for the main character.

In fiction writing, authors often use a variety of literary devices to create compelling and multi-dimensional characters. One such is the tritagonist, a crucial character in the narrative structure.

Tritagonist originates from the Greek word trítagonistés, meaning the third actor or character on stage. In ancient Greek drama, the tritagonist played a supporting role to the protagonist and deuteragonist. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a broader meaning in literature and storytelling.

The tritagonist is important to a narrative structure, adding depth, complexity, and conflict to the story. While the protagonist drives the plot and deuteragonist provides a secondary perspective, the tritagonist contributes a distinct and complementary element to the narrative.

For instance, in A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth, the tritagonist Maan Kapoor’s journey of self-discovery and political awakening contributes to the intricate plot of the story, shedding light on themes of societal expectations and love across social divides.

The earliest examples of tritagonists in literature are in Greek tragedies written by Sophocles and Euripides. They wrote about characters who often served as advisors, confidants, or foils to the protagonist, providing guidance or presenting contrasting perspectives. A notable example is Antigone’s sister, Ismene, in Sophocles’ play Antigone. Ismene serves as a supporting character engaging in important discussions with the protagonist.

In more recent examples, the character of Jordan Baker, a professional golfer and Gatsby’s love interest, assumes the role of tritagonist in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Also in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, while Harry is the undisputed protagonist of this magical saga, Hermione Granger is the tritagonist. Hermione’s intelligence, courage, and unwavering loyalty make her essential in the trio of main characters. She provides critical support to Harry, both intellectually and emotionally, and her character arc evolves throughout the series, showcasing growth and resilience.

A pop culture example is in the cult Star Wars movies where Luke Skywalker is the protagonist, Han Solo the deuteragonist, and Princess Leia Organa, a leader of the Rebel Alliance, the tritagonist. Her courage, strategic thinking, and determination make her indispensable in the fight against the Galactic Empire.

In Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy, Batman is the hero, with his moral struggles and quest for justice. Commissioner James Gordon, portrayed by Gary Oldman, serves as the tritagonist. Gordon’s unwavering dedication to upholding the law, his complicated relationship with Batman and his pivotal role in Gotham City’s fight against crime makes him integral to the narrative.

Understanding and using the tritagonist effectively enables authors to create compelling and well-rounded characters that enrich their fictional worlds.

Exercise
Can you identify the tritagonists in these famous books/ films?
1. The Lord of the Rings
2. Pride and Prejudice
3. The Hunger Games
4. The Matrix
5. To Kill a Mockingbird

Authors:
1. Aragorn (also known as Strider)
2. Elizabeth Bennett
3. Peeta Mellark
4.. Trinity
5. Boo Radley