Things ends, and the fifth season will be the show’s last opportunity.

Stranger Things has been running since 2016, and the show has allowed various characters to step into the spotlight for certain moments. Stranger Things’ cast has also expanded over the years, introducing plenty of new characters without ever forcing the original crew to the sidelines. But over time, this has raised some debates regarding which of these characters is actually the protagonist, a question that Stranger Things season 5 is bound to answer.

Stranger Things Season 5 Will Settle Who The Show’s Main Character Is

The Endless Debate Should Finally Come To An End

While Eleven was Stranger Things’ main character for a long time, the young protagonist has taken somewhat of a backseat in later seasons, with the narrative focusing more securely on Mike and Will instead. Stranger Things is clearly an ensemble, so this shouldn’t be too surprising, but it’s still an important question that sits in many audiences’ minds. Eleven was initially the center of attention given all the questions surrounding her past, most of which have been resolved now. Likewise, Will was the driving force of the story in season 1, although he didn't actually appear much.

The later seasons of Stranger Things have focused more strongly on the human drama between these young characters, and Mike’s story has been creeping into focus. He’s the arguable “leader” of the group, and his complicated relationship with Eleven as well as his "hero" persona makes him a standout. There’s also a strong argument to be made that Will is Stranger Things’ main character, as it was his abduction in the first season that set all the events in motion. Not too much is known about Stranger Things season 5's story, and it will be interesting to see who it will focus on.

Stranger Things Season 5 Has Few Options On Who To Focus After Season 4

The Show Could Go In Several Directions

The question of Stranger Things’ main character is an extremely open one, and if the final season wants to focus on a specific figure, there are several options. Eleven is the most obvious, as the later seasons have clearly been setting up the possibility of her regaining her powers and using them to defeat Vecna for good.

Stranger Things has changed a lot since it became a Netflix sensation in 2016, so it would make sense for the series to go back to its roots and have Will be a key figure in the final season.

However, it would also be a full-circle moment if Will was the main focus, as he’s arguably suffered the most at the hands of Vecna and his creatures. Stranger Things has changed a lot since it became a Netflix sensation in 2016, so it would make sense for the series to go back to its roots and have Will be a key figure in the final season. Mike could also be a surprise standout in season 5, not to mention the adult characters, particularly the ones who have been around since season 1.