the leading character, hero, or heroine of a drama or other literary work- this is the dictionary definition or protagonist.
Happy puzzling, Beatrice;-)
Sorry meant to write of not or- brain becomes a little scrambled at times with words. This is why always fill in crosswords in pencil first as sometimes put the wrong clue in the wrong box if same letters. If in pencil not a problem as you rub it out. When sure of all answers fill in with pen.
Ciao, Beatrice