i’m pretty sure i know what a protagonist is, unless the definition has shifted since i was in second grade.

maybe i made too big of a logical leap, though (for the sake of aesthetics), so here’s the formulation:

bob is the protagonist (as in, main character) of “the brown coast.”

a metaphor is a comparison between two unlike things (another second grade definition).

bob compares himself in the climax to a sea cucumber.
ergo, the protagonist is a sea cucumber.

i’m trying to point out that that kind of comparison is too tidy, easy, cute, and ultimately limiting, which sucks when the whole response to the book has been about how generous toward, and understanding of, his characters tower is supposed to be.

and please, nobody jump in and tell me i’m no good at logic proofs because that was tenth grade.

also thanks, matt. it’s nice to hear from somebody other than russians who want to help me drive her wild.