Final answer:
Traditionally, protagonists in literature often had high social rankings such as nobility to serve as moral lessons when they erred and faced consequences. This is in line with practices in various cultures and the thoughts of influential figures like Aristotle. However, contemporary literature sees protagonists from a range of social classes, reflecting a more meritocratic approach to storytelling.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of what social ranking is the protagonist usually pertains to the role of the protagonist within literature and society. Historically, protagonists often occupied higher social ranks, such as nobility or aristocracy, especially in the works following the guidelines proposed by Aristotle, such as Greek tragedies. This is because characters of higher rank could serve as effective moral lessons to the audience when they make mistakes, recognize their errors, and face consequences. Furthermore, the higher social ranking of the protagonist made their fall more dramatic and impactful.
In many traditional stories, especially those before the modern era, protagonists held a high social standing or noble birth because it was thought that their experiences would carry greater moral or intellectual weight to the audience. For example, in classical Greek tragedies, the hero often had a high social status which made their eventual downfall a powerful lesson to the bystanders. This use of a protagonist was also depicted in different cultures, where the social rank was highly regarded and intricately woven into the fabric of daily life and governance.
However, in contemporary storytelling, protagonists can come from various social ranks, including lower or middle classes, highlighting the theme of meritocracy and allowing a broader range of audiences to relate to the characters. The shift towards a more diverse representation of protagonists in social standing reflects the evolving ideologies of societies over time.