The Rise of Arrogance in Modern Protagonists and Its Impact on Relatability

Many modern protagonists are depicted as confident, sometimes to the point of arrogance. Characters like Tony Stark in Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes in Sherlock showcase this trend, where their brilliance and success come with a hefty dose of cockiness. While this can be entertaining, it can also alienate audiences if not balanced with vulnerability or humility. Arrogant characters can come across as unrelatable because they seem to have no room for growth or personal flaws. The issue arises when the character’s arrogance is used as a substitute for deeper development. For example, Tony Stark’s journey from arrogance to humility is compelling because he learns to confront his flaws and grow. Without that growth, however, arrogance can turn into a barrier to audience connection. When protagonists are too self-assured, they may seem untouchable or even unsympathetic. Relatable characters often show vulnerability, insecurity, or moments of self-doubt—qualities that make them human. A protagonist who struggles with their ego or learns to overcome it tends to be more emotionally resonant because their journey reflects real human experiences. While confidence can be a great trait for a character, it’s the balance between confidence and humility that makes them truly relatable and compelling.