How Character Affects A Story

There are different kinds of characters, and each has a different effect on a story. There are a few main kinds of characters we see in stories.

Protagonists: main "Good guy," the character whose perspective we follow the most

Antagonists: main "Bad guy," the character whose goals conflict with those of the protagonist

Sidekicks: supporting characters for the protagonist or antagonist, motivated to help them reach their goal

Characters affect the dynamic of a story. They also determine which perspective we choose to tell it from.

Without different kinds of characters, the story wouldn't progress. 

The more the protagonist and antagonist work against each other, the more the conflict drives forward and approaches the climax.

Example: Beauty and the Beast

Protagonist: Belle (and Beast)

Antagonist: Gaston

Sidekicks: Lefou, Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts

        

Example: Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Protagonist: Madoka (and Homura)

   

Antagonist: Kyubey

Sidekicks: Sayaka, Mami, Kyoko

A character's role can also change throughout a story. A sidekick can become a antagonist, and antagonist can become a sidekick, etc. Kyubey starts off as a sidekick/mentor character, but becomes the antagonist. The Beast starts off like an antagonist, but becomes and important protagonist.