Plural Protagonists in “Monster”

While writers have many different reasons for shifting the perspective of their story, the use of plural protagonists in “Monster” is particularly noteworthy for its capacity to reinforce the themes of community that define its take on good vs evil. #monster #urasawa #manga 1/10

In “Monster” the primary protagonist is the famous Dr. Tenma. As iconic as Tenma is, however, he disappears from the book for large swathes of time while other characters (either introduced anew or promoted from side character) step to the forefront for a time in the protagonist role. 2/10

In “Narrative Bonds,” scholar Alexandra Valint argues that communal awareness is a direct consequence of stories that unfold with multiple narrators. Effectively, the reader is forced to become conscious of the broader network that connects a works’ plural protagonists. 3/10

We could use the term macro-protagonist here if we’d like, a rich tradition in literature seen in important works such as Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” Isaac Asimov’s “Foundation” series, and, more recently, George R.R. Martin’s “Game of Thrones.” 4/10

In each of these works, the union of heroes helps to define the macro-protagonist as either a cause or collective (those who oppose Dracula, the Foundation, Westeros). 5/10

For “Monster” the network of heroes includes a Psychotherapist, a Lawyer, a Gangster, a University Student, a Spy, a Cop, a jilted ex, and Johan’s twin sister (amongst others), all united (as a community) by their shared distaste for the killer on the loose and the values he represents. 6/10

We could extend that point of unity, however, by suggesting that it’s Tenma himself (as a person) who unities, motivates, and mobilizes each of these agents to various degrees, thus again showing the impact of an individual on a community and, of course, vice versa. 7/10

This dispersion of viewpoints additionally helps the reader to escape from the Ahab-like themes that emerge from Tenma in particular. An invested community aimed at stopping and uncovering Johan’s crimes makes Tenma’s obsession less personally motivated when shared by others. 8/10

As the reader becomes aware of the fictional community, and the places of Tenma and Johan within and without it, they are afforded perspective to reflect upon their own community and relationship to it. In this sense, “Monster” can be a deeply reflective (or even defining) work. 9/10

Thus, we can read “Monster” as a work that opposes isolationism and the celebration of the individual (a notorious trope in literary modernism) and instead chooses to espouse a collectivist viewpoint that emphasizes relationships, commonality, and all the many ties that bind us to each other. 10/10