Which literary term describes the person or entity that embodies the theme of a narrative?

The term that describes the person or entity that embodies the theme of a narrative is the protagonist. This character is often the central figure in a story, around whom the plot revolves, and their experiences, decisions, and growth typically illustrate the main themes. The protagonist engages the audience's emotions and thoughts, often reflecting the moral and philosophical dilemmas presented in the narrative.

In many narratives, the protagonist's journey serves as a vessel for exploring deeper messages or themes, such as struggle, resilience, or identity. By following the protagonist's actions and motivations, readers can gain insights into the thematic elements of the work as a whole.

Other terms like hero, character, and antagonist have specific roles but do not necessarily embody the overall theme in the same way. The hero can sometimes be synonymous with the protagonist, but not all protagonists are heroes, as they can also contain flaws or complexities that contribute to the thematic structure. Characters are broader and can include any individuals in the story, while the antagonist is specifically the counterpart to the protagonist and often represents opposing forces but not the central themes.