Advocate vs. Protagonist — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 27, 2024
Advocate refers to someone who supports or promotes a cause or policy, while protagonist is the main character in a story or drama.
Difference Between Advocate and Protagonist
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An advocate is primarily a supporter or defender of a particular cause or idea. They use their voice, expertise, or position to argue for or promote a specific issue. Whereas a protagonist is the central figure in a narrative, whose choices and actions drive the story forward and around whom the plot revolves.
Advocates are often found in legal, political, or social contexts, actively campaigning or lobbying for changes in policy or public opinion. On the other hand, a protagonist may exist in any fictional or dramatic setting, serving as a critical element in literature, film, and theater.
While advocates work towards influencing real-world outcomes and decisions, protagonists are key to character development and thematic expression in fictional worlds. They engage the audience emotionally and intellectually, providing a personal connection to the narrative.
Advocates can be individuals or groups, and their efforts are typically visible in debates, public speaking, and writings. Conversely, protagonists are usually individual characters, crafted to be relatable or intriguing to serve the artistic goals of the narrative.
In terms of impact, advocates aim to bring about tangible change or awareness in society through their advocacy. Protagonists, meanwhile, impact readers or viewers by evoking thoughts, feelings, and discussions related to the narrative’s deeper meanings.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Supports or defends a cause
Main character in a narrative
Context
Legal, political, social
Fictional, dramatic
Role
Argues, promotes, campaigns
Drives story, engages audience
Visibility
Public debates, writings
Central in the narrative
Impact
Real-world changes, awareness
Emotional, intellectual engagement
Compare with Definitions
Advocate
A supporter of an idea.
He was an advocate of free speech throughout his life.
Protagonist
The primary person in a fictional setting.
The protagonist's journey captivates the audience.
Advocate
A promoter of a particular policy.
She advocates for healthcare reforms in her articles.
Protagonist
A leading figure in a cause or movement.
He emerged as the protagonist in the fight against corruption.
Advocate
One who argues for a specific issue.
As an environmental advocate, he pushes for green policies.
Protagonist
The central character in a drama or play.
The protagonist’s dilemma is the core of the play.
Advocate
A lawyer representing a case.
The advocate presented the evidence clearly.
Protagonist
The main character in a story.
The protagonist faces numerous challenges throughout the novel.
Advocate
A person who publicly supports a cause.
She became a prominent advocate for human rights.
Protagonist
The key figure in a series of events.
In this biography, she is portrayed as the protagonist in her own life story.
Advocate
An advocate is a professional in the field of law. Different countries' legal systems use the term with somewhat differing meanings.
Protagonist
A protagonist (from Ancient Greek πρωταγωνιστής, prōtagōnistḗs 'one who plays the first part, chief actor') is the main character of a story. The protagonist makes key decisions that affect the plot, primarily influencing the story and propelling it forward and is often the character who faces the most significant obstacles.
Advocate
To speak, plead, or argue in favor of
Advocate a vegan diet.
Protagonist
The main character in a work of fiction, as a play, film, or novel.
Advocate
Usage Problem To act as an advocate
Advocated for her patients.
Advocated for more stringent crime laws.
Protagonist
In ancient Greek drama, the first actor to engage in dialogue with the chorus, in later dramas playing the main character and some minor characters as well.
Advocate
One that argues for a cause; a supporter or defender
An advocate of civil rights.
Protagonist
A leading or principal figure.
Advocate
One that pleads in another's behalf; an intercessor
Advocates for abused children and spouses.
Protagonist
The leader of a cause; a champion.
Advocate
A lawyer.
Protagonist
Usage Problem A proponent; an advocate.
Advocate
Someone whose job is to speak for someone's case in a court of law; a counsel.
Protagonist
(authorship) The main character, or one of the main characters, in any story, such as a literary work or drama.
Advocate
Anyone who argues the case of another; an intercessor.
Protagonist
A leading person in a contest; a principal performer.
Advocate
A person who speaks in support of something, or someone.
Protagonist
(proscribed) An advocate or champion of a cause or course of action.
Advocate
A person who supports others to make their voices heard, or ideally for them to speak up for themselves.
Since she started working with her advocate, she has become much more confident.
Protagonist
One who takes the leading part in a drama; hence, one who takes lead in some great scene, enterprise, conflict, or the like.
Shakespeare, the protagonist on the great of modern poetry.
Advocate
(transitive) To plead in favour of; to defend by argument, before a tribunal or the public; to support, vindicate, or recommend publicly.
Protagonist
A person who backs a politician or a team etc.;
All their supporters came out for the game
They are friends of the library
Advocate
(transitive) To encourage support for something.
I like trees, but I do not advocate living in them.
Protagonist
The principal character in a work of fiction
Advocate
To engage in advocacy.
We have been advocating for changes in immigration law.
Advocate
To appeal from an inferior court to the Court of Session.
Advocate
To call a case before itself for decision.
Advocate
One who pleads the cause of another. Specifically: One who pleads the cause of another before a tribunal or judicial court; a counselor.
Advocate
One who defends, vindicates, or espouses any cause by argument; a pleader; as, an advocate of free trade, an advocate of truth.
Advocate
Christ, considered as an intercessor.
We have an Advocate with the Father.
Advocate
To plead in favor of; to defend by argument, before a tribunal or the public; to support, vindicate, or recommend publicly.
To advocate the cause of thy client.
This is the only thing distinct and sensible, that has been advocated.
Eminent orators were engaged to advocate his cause.
Advocate
To act as advocate.
Advocate
A person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea
Advocate
A lawyer who pleads cases in court
Advocate
Push for something;
The travel agent recommended strongly that we not travel on Thanksgiving Day
Advocate
Speak, plead, or argue in favour of;
The doctor advocated a smoking ban in the entire house
Common Curiosities
Can an advocate be a protagonist?
Yes, in narratives involving social justice or legal battles, an advocate can be the protagonist.
How does an advocate influence society?
Advocates influence society by promoting changes in policy, raising awareness, or defending rights.
What is essential for a protagonist in a story?
A protagonist must have a central role that drives the narrative and engages the audience.
What makes a protagonist relatable?
A protagonist’s realistic and complex personality makes them relatable to the audience.
What skills are important for an advocate?
Effective communication, persuasive skills, and a deep understanding of their cause are crucial for advocates.
Can a protagonist be evil?
Yes, a protagonist can be a 'villain protagonist' where the story is told from their perspective.
Do protagonists always win in their stories?
Not necessarily; protagonists can also experience defeat or tragedy, which can be essential to the plot.
What is the difference between a protagonist and a hero?
A protagonist is the main character regardless of their moral stature, whereas a hero typically exhibits admirable qualities.
What does an advocate do?
An advocate supports or defends a cause, often through public speaking or writing.
What are typical activities of an advocate?
Advocates engage in activities like writing articles, speaking at public forums, and participating in debates.
Are all advocates lawyers?
No, while some advocates are lawyers, others may simply support or promote a cause without legal expertise.
How does advocacy work in politics?
In politics, advocacy involves lobbying, campaigning, and engaging with policymakers to influence legislation.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
