--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The leading character isn't always the…" description: "\"The leading character isn't always the most important or interesting character; when people think that the protagonist is the character portrayed, it's..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/66e/pilou-asbaek-12017_always_the-leading-character-isn-t-always-the-m_247777.jpg" --- # The leading character isn't always the most important or… ![“The leading character isn't always the most important or interesting character; when people think that the protagonist is the character portrayed, it's people who haven't read Shakespeare.” quote by Pilou Asbaek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/66e/pilou-asbaek-12017_always_the-leading-character-isn-t-always-the-m_247777.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/66e/pilou-asbaek-12017_always_the-leading-character-isn-t-always-the-m_247777.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/66e/pilou-asbaek-12017_always_the-leading-character-isn-t-always-the-m_247777.jpg) > “The leading character isn't always the most important or interesting character; when people think that the protagonist is the character portrayed, it's people who haven't read Shakespeare.” [Pilou Asbaek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pilou-asbaek/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The protagonist is not always the main character; true focus requires reading beyond surface assumptions. **In simple terms:** Main characters aren't always the story's focus. Key Takeaway Look deeper than appearances. Themes literature misconception character analysis Mood analytical educational Type critical interpretive When to use this quote - literary study - book clubs - teaching literature Key Concepts Shakespeare narrative structure reading comprehension Questions to Reflect On - What defines a protagonist? - How do supporting characters drive plot? A Different Perspective Readers may miss nuanced roles without careful analysis. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Leadership](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/leadership/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) ## Related quotes > [First person allows deeper insight into the protagonist's character. It allows the reader to identify more fully with the protagonist and to share her…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/juliet-marillier/first-person-allows-deeper-insight-into-the-protagonist-s-character/) [Juliet Marillier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/juliet-marillier/) > [It's the best honor when someone wants to use as their professional title the name of a character that you portrayed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pam-grier/it-s-the-best-honor-when-someone-wants-to-use-as-their-professional/) [Pam Grier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pam-grier/) > [In my experience, it's usually up to the actor how a character is portrayed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-dreyfuss/in-my-experience-it-s-usually-up-to-the-actor-how-a-character-is/) [Richard Dreyfuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-dreyfuss/) > [A sum of money is a leading character in this tale about people, just as a sum of honey might properly be a leading…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/a-sum-of-money-is-a-leading-character-in-this-tale-about-people-just/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [ For example, how you would introduce a leading character into your film, and as an absolute ingenious example, \[Elia\] Kazan in his film Viva… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/werner-herzog/for-example-how-you-would-introduce-a-leading-character-into-your/) [Werner Herzog](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/werner-herzog/) > [Leading with character gives the wise leader clear-cut advantages. They are easier to trust and follow; they honor commitments and promises; their words and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-g-bennis/leading-with-character-gives-the-wise-leader-clear-cut-advantages/) [Warren G. Bennis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-g-bennis/) > [The music is not used repetitiously to create film atmosphere. It is, in fact, the leading character.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-mondello/the-music-is-not-used-repetitiously-to-create-film-atmosphere-it-is/) Bob Mondello > [I had never had a positive leading character - somebody that wasn't an antihero, or who wasn't more of a guy that you're supposed…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gus-van-sant/i-had-never-had-a-positive-leading-character-somebody-that-wasn-t-an/) [Gus Van Sant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gus-van-sant/) > [ \[And on going from character to leading actor\] I don't approach anything differently; I just approach it as a character. I'm always astounded at… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-carell/and-on-going-from-character-to-leading-actor-i-don-t-approach/) [Steve Carell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-carell/) > [I think possibly the first film that has music as its leading character.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-shaffer/i-think-possibly-the-first-film-that-has-music-as-its-leading/) [Peter Shaffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-shaffer/) > [In a novel, the author gives the leading character intelligence and distinction. Fate goes to less trouble: mediocrities play a part in great events…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-maurice-de-talleyrand/in-a-novel-the-author-gives-the-leading-character-intelligence-and/) [Charles Maurice de Talleyrand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-maurice-de-talleyrand/) > [And, for any performer, to be able to go deep into character is fantastic. In film you only get to do that if you're…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cillian-murphy/and-for-any-performer-to-be-able-to-go-deep-into-character-is/) [Cillian Murphy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cillian-murphy/) > [I am a character actress. Well, let's say, I am a leading character actress who does interesting, odd parts.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/imelda-staunton/i-am-a-character-actress-well-let-s-say-i-am-a-leading-character/) [Imelda Staunton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/imelda-staunton/) > [Develop a clean line of action for your leading character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-wilder/develop-a-clean-line-of-action-for-your-leading-character/) [Billy Wilder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-wilder/) > [Even with the lowest budget in the world, you better get some names in there; that calms people down. Then be sure your leading…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-downey-sr/even-with-the-lowest-budget-in-the-world-you-better-get-some-names-in/) [Robert Downey Sr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-downey-sr/) ## More by Pilou Asbaek > [On 'Ghost In The Shell,' I'm looking forward more to working with Scarlett Johannson and Rupert Sanders than portraying a lead!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pilou-asbaek/on-ghost-in-the-shell-i-m-looking-forward-more-to-working-with/) [Pilou Asbaek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pilou-asbaek/) > [I don't know - the whole leading man, I don't buy it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pilou-asbaek/i-don-t-know-the-whole-leading-man-i-don-t-buy-it/) [Pilou Asbaek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pilou-asbaek/) > [I like to do my own stunts, but sometimes you need a little bit of help.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pilou-asbaek/i-like-to-do-my-own-stunts-but-sometimes-you-need-a-little-bit-of-help/) [Pilou Asbaek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pilou-asbaek/) > [I started quite late. I didn't know acting was a job.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pilou-asbaek/i-started-quite-late-i-didn-t-know-acting-was-a-job/) [Pilou Asbaek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pilou-asbaek/) > [The most exciting thing about joining 'Game Of Thrones' is joining 'Game Of Thrones.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pilou-asbaek/the-most-exciting-thing-about-joining-game-of-thrones-is-joining-game/) [Pilou Asbaek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pilou-asbaek/) > [For me, it's very important that the people I'm working with are feeling happy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pilou-asbaek/for-me-it-s-very-important-that-the-people-i-m-working-with-are/) [Pilou Asbaek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pilou-asbaek/) > [I never read anything that's written about me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pilou-asbaek/i-never-read-anything-that-s-written-about-me/) [Pilou Asbaek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pilou-asbaek/) > [I do enjoy the Scottish way of playing football.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pilou-asbaek/i-do-enjoy-the-scottish-way-of-playing-football/) [Pilou Asbaek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pilou-asbaek/) > [I love 'Sex and the City,' but it's also wonderful that there's something else other than 'Sex and the City.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pilou-asbaek/i-love-sex-and-the-city-but-it-s-also-wonderful-that-there-s/) [Pilou Asbaek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pilou-asbaek/) > [Films come and go. Families stay.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pilou-asbaek/films-come-and-go-families-stay/) [Pilou Asbaek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pilou-asbaek/) > [Whenever you do a film, it's always like a little miracle. So many people getting together trying to do something so that the audience…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pilou-asbaek/whenever-you-do-a-film-it-s-always-like-a-little-miracle-so-many/) [Pilou Asbaek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pilou-asbaek/) > [Life is not black and white; there is some gray nuance to it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pilou-asbaek/life-is-not-black-and-white-there-is-some-gray-nuance-to-it/) [Pilou Asbaek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pilou-asbaek/) > [Honestly, I think it's kind of corny to sit and watch your own work.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pilou-asbaek/honestly-i-think-it-s-kind-of-corny-to-sit-and-watch-your-own-work/) [Pilou Asbaek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pilou-asbaek/) > [I want to keep pushing those boundaries of acting.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pilou-asbaek/i-want-to-keep-pushing-those-boundaries-of-acting/) [Pilou Asbaek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pilou-asbaek/) > [With 'A Hijacking' I didn't talk to anyone who had been hijacked, but with 'A War,' I talked to as many soldiers as possible…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pilou-asbaek/with-a-hijacking-i-didn-t-talk-to-anyone-who-had-been-hijacked-but/) [Pilou Asbaek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pilou-asbaek/) [Explore all 56 Pilou Asbaek quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pilou-asbaek/) ## More Always quotes > [I think performing has pretty much always been a part of me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/isa-briones/i-think-performing-has-pretty-much-always-been-a-part-of-me/) [Isa Briones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/isa-briones/) > [I always thought if I was born 2000 years earlier, I would be a monk, probably carving a monastery or some giant pantheon buildings.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jenova-chen/i-always-thought-if-i-was-born-2000-years-earlier-i-would-be-a-monk/) [Jenova Chen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jenova-chen/) > [I always like a character who makes me laugh.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachael-stirling/i-always-like-a-character-who-makes-me-laugh/) [Rachael Stirling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rachael-stirling/) > [It's always great to see old friends, especially those I have not been able to see in 15 months.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-regal/it-s-always-great-to-see-old-friends-especially-those-i-have-not-been/) [William Regal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-regal/) > [When you step out and do a song in a musical, the easier thing to do is make it funny. But when those transitions…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kelli-o-hara/when-you-step-out-and-do-a-song-in-a-musical-the-easier-thing-to-do/) [Kelli O'Hara](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kelli-o-hara/) > [I have really good lateral movement. I've always had quick lateral movement.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/austin-rivers/i-have-really-good-lateral-movement-i-ve-always-had-quick-lateral/) [Austin Rivers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/austin-rivers/) > [There is something magical about being able to feel somebody. And that is something that has always moved me with music.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maria-brink/there-is-something-magical-about-being-able-to-feel-somebody-and-that/) [Maria Brink](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maria-brink/) > [Mythology is something that always has opportunities to explore. 'It' has been on Earth for millions of years. He's been in contact with humans…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andy-muschietti/mythology-is-something-that-always-has-opportunities-to-explore-it/) [Andy Muschietti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andy-muschietti/) > [It's not writing in the traditional sense, but I've always said that the writing process continues on the set and even into the editing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-b-weide/it-s-not-writing-in-the-traditional-sense-but-i-ve-always-said-that/) [Robert B. Weide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-b-weide/) > [I always watch my matches back 100 times afterwards because that's how I improve. This is something I've always done, even in NXT.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mandy-rose/i-always-watch-my-matches-back-100-times-afterwards-because-that-s/) [Mandy Rose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mandy-rose/) > [I've always been of the idea that is doesn't really matter where you are geographically - with 'Lonerism,' we made half the album in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-parker/i-ve-always-been-of-the-idea-that-is-doesn-t-really-matter-where-you/) [Kevin Parker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-parker/) > [It's very easy to fool yourself that you're working, you know, when you're really not working very hard. I mean, I'm very lazy. So…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-caro/it-s-very-easy-to-fool-yourself-that-you-re-working-you-know-when-you/) [Robert Caro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-caro/) > [Whether it was Little League or playing with your brothers or sisters, that was always a problem. If I would lose - because I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cal-ripken-jr/whether-it-was-little-league-or-playing-with-your-brothers-or-sisters/) [Cal Ripken, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cal-ripken-jr/) > [I always say if you put someone from a small town into a big city for ten years, then when they go back, they'll…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-colter/i-always-say-if-you-put-someone-from-a-small-town-into-a-big-city-for/) [Mike Colter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mike-colter/) > [Bayern is always a team that can win the Champions League title in Europe.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lothar-matthaus/bayern-is-always-a-team-that-can-win-the-champions-league-title-in/) [Lothar Matthaus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lothar-matthaus/) Browse all 36,048 Always quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The leading character isn't always the most important or interesting character; when people think that the protagonist is the character portrayed, it's people who haven't read Shakespeare.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Pilou Asbaek" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pilou-asbaek/the-leading-character-isn-t-always-the-most-important-or-interesting/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Always" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pilou-asbaek/the-leading-character-isn-t-always-the-most-important-or-interesting/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/66e/pilou-asbaek-12017_always_the-leading-character-isn-t-always-the-m_247777.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/66e/pilou-asbaek-12017_always_the-leading-character-isn-t-always-the-m_247777.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/66e/pilou-asbaek-12017_always_the-leading-character-isn-t-always-the-m_247777.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“The leading character isn't always the most important or interesting character; when people think that the…” — Pilou Asbaek", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Pilou Asbaek", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pilou-asbaek/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "The leading character isn't always the...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pilou-asbaek/the-leading-character-isn-t-always-the-most-important-or-interesting/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pilou-asbaek/the-leading-character-isn-t-always-the-most-important-or-interesting/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```