Protagonists and Heroes

Last time, we focused on Superman and why he has endured as a cultural icon. This time, we’ll broaden the lens and explore protagonists in general — the characters who carry stories, shape our perspectives, and sometimes even reflect ourselves.

Topics we’ll cover:

Do protagonists need to be likable, or just compelling?

Relatable vs. aspirational: which heroes resonate more with you?

How conflict defines a protagonist’s journey

Classic icons (like Superman) vs. modern antiheroes

Why do audiences sometimes idolize antiheroes such as Scarface or Rorschach, even when they’re destructive or morally questionable?

What makes a protagonist timeless?

Who this is for:
Anyone who enjoys books, movies, comics, or storytelling. You don’t need to have attended the Superman meetup to join in, but this builds naturally on that discussion.

Wrap-up:
We’ll end with a creative thought experiment — if you were writing your own story, what kind of protagonist would you create, and how would they differ from Superman?

Come ready to share your thoughts, favorite examples, and maybe even your least favorite protagonists!