Protagonist

Character Role Analysis

Leontes

Leontes is a deeply flawed protagonist whose unfounded jealousy and tyranny leads him to turn against his friend, abandon his newborn daughter, and put his wife on trial for adultery and treason. Leontes finally repents when his son, Mamillius, dies. He spends the next sixteen years suffering and repenting (with the help of Paulina) for his behavior, before his family (with the exception of Mamillius) is miraculously restored.