What characteristics define a main character? question 3 options: a main character doesn't play a large role in the story; the story happens to a main character, but the main character doesn't do anything to drive the plot. the main character is the character that the story follows from beginning to end. without this character, there is no story. the main character makes appearances throughout the story but isn't a constant presence. the main character is the only character that matters in a story.