This question is based on general literary principles The leading character in a literary work is the

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the term used for the leading character (the main character) in a literary work.

Step 2: Explain the concepts

• Protagonist: The central or main character of a story, the one whose journey, struggles, or choices drive the plot. Examples: Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart, Nnu Ego in The Joys of Motherhood.
• Antagonist: The character or force that opposes the protagonist. It can be a person, society, nature, or even an internal conflict.
• Villain: A wicked or evil character, often the antagonist, but not always the leading character.
• Anti-hero: A leading character who lacks traditional heroic qualities such as morality, courage, or idealism. An anti-hero is a type of protagonist, but the term describes a specific kind of main character, not the general term for the leading character.

Step 3: Solve The general term for the leading character in any literary work is the protagonist.

• B (antagonist) is the opposing force, so it is wrong.
• C (villain) is an evil character, not necessarily the lead, so it is wrong.
• D (anti-hero) is a specific kind of protagonist with flawed or unheroic traits, so it is too narrow.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A. protagonist.

Exam tip: Remember "PRO" = "for" the story: the protagonist is the one the story is for, and the antagonist is against them ("anti" = against). In JAMB, when a question says "leading" or "main" character in general terms, think protagonist.