Let’s be real: the show literally starts with her running from a lab in a hospital gown. She’s the gateway to the Upside Down, the secret weapon, and the emotional anchor. Without her, the Demogorgon is just a hungry-looking houseplant in another dimension.
But here’s the twist: Eleven is often a force of nature, not a typical protagonist. She spends half of Season 1 silent, hiding in a closet, or flipping vans with her mind. She’s more like a superhero you’re rooting for than a character who drives the plot with decisions.
The Party: A Shared Spotlight
Now think about Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will. They’re a squad, not a single star. In Season 1, Mike is the determined friend who won’t give up on Will—that’s hero energy. But then Dustin steals the show with his lisp and scientific facts, while Lucas brings the skeptical eye. It’s like a band where everyone gets a solo.
Compare it to Harry Potter: you know Harry is the main character from page one. But in Hawkins? The boys share the spotlight like a relay race where the baton keeps flying around. So is the main character really the group itself? That’s the fun part.
