The Queen of Spades Lesson Plan

Who is the protagonist?

This question prompts students to choose between the Countess and Hermann. Students are likely used to thinking of the protagonist as not only the person whom the narrator follows but also the person the reader roots for. In this case, however, students may find themselves rooting for the Countess over Hermann. Many students will argue that Hermann is the protagonist and the Countess is the antagonist. These students may be able to think of other stories (novels, films, etc.) where the reader felt an understanding or sympathy for the antagonist. Some students may make the case for the story really being about the Countess and the opportunity that...