Protagonist

Character Role Analysis

Jerry Mulligan

Let's cut to the chase. Jerry's an odd protagonist, and here's why: the protagonist is the hero of the story, the character we root for. Jerry? He makes it pretty hard to be on his side at times, in spite of all the delightful singing and dancing. He wants to be a successful painter, but he lacks the drive to make it happen. He uses Milo to further his stagnant art career. He chases after Lise like a randy caveman, even if she's initially not into him and she's already got a boyfriend. For all of his faults, though, Jerry sits at the center of An American in Paris's story. He's the character to whom we have the most access; we know him the best, and that's what makes him the movie's protagonist, warts and all.