Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In most video games, we’re the hero: a chosen one with extraordinary abilities, uniquely positioned to save the world. That makes sense. Games are escapism and we're often looking for a power fantasy.
But what happens when the playable character isn’t the hero? What if they’re ordinary? What if their abilities pale in comparison to those around them? What if it feels like we’re sitting on the sidelines, watching someone else’s story unfold?
That’s the idea behind a passive protagonist, with Danganronpa’s Makoto Naegi being a perfect example. It’s something I kept coming back to during my recent playthrough. Makoto is meek, timid, and easily manipulated. He’s surrounded by students who are the best in their chosen fields, such as the Ultimate Programmer, the Ultimate Baseball Star and the Ultimate Idol. Meanwhile, Makoto describes himself as entirely unremarkable.
So why would the game ask us to play as him, when there are stronger, more capable candidates right in front of us?
That’s what this video explores. I take a deep dive into Danganronpa’s plot, tone and characters to examine when it makes sense to use a passive protagonist, what unique strengths the trope can offer, and how Danganronpa expertly pulls it off.
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/samwebster.bsky.social
Patreon: patreon.com/SJWebster
Discord: discord.gg/uXhutbVSN7
00:00 - Introduction
01:09 - Meet Makoto
02:06 - The Real Star, Kyoko
05:44 - Defining a Passive Protagonist
07:45 - Danganronpa's Expert Execution
11:29 - The Ultimate Hope
14:18 - Other Examples
#danganronpa #gaming #passiveProtagonist #gameDesign #videoEssay
In most video games, we’re the hero: a chosen one with extraordinary abilities, uniquely positioned to save the world. That makes sense. Games are escapism and we're often looking for a power fantasy.
But what happens when the playable character isn’t the hero? What if they’re ordinary? What if their abilities pale in comparison to those around them? What if it feels like we’re sitting on the sidelines, watching someone else’s story unfold?
That’s the idea behind a passive protagonist, with Danganronpa’s Makoto Naegi being a perfect example. It’s something I kept coming back to during my recent playthrough. Makoto is meek, timid, and easily manipulated. He’s surrounded by students who are the best in their chosen fields, such as the Ultimate Programmer, the Ultimate Baseball Star and the Ultimate Idol. Meanwhile, Makoto describes himself as entirely unremarkable.
So why would the game ask us to play as him, when there are stronger, more capable candidates right in front of us?
That’s what this video explores. I take a deep dive into Danganronpa’s plot, tone and characters to examine when it makes sense to use a passive protagonist, what unique strengths the trope can offer, and how Danganronpa expertly pulls it off.
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/samwebster.bsky.social
Patreon: patreon.com/SJWebster
Discord: discord.gg/uXhutbVSN7
00:00 - Introduction
01:09 - Meet Makoto
02:06 - The Real Star, Kyoko
05:44 - Defining a Passive Protagonist
07:45 - Danganronpa's Expert Execution
11:29 - The Ultimate Hope
14:18 - Other Examples
#danganronpa #gaming #passiveProtagonist #gameDesign #videoEssay
