In a story, it’s almost unthinkable for the main character to die. In most cases, they have plot armor and are destined to triumph over their problems.
But occasionally, you chance upon authors with twisted souls who write books where the main character dies. Why, though? Probably because there’s an equally twisted audience who enjoy reading about tragedy, loss, and the drama of a protagonist’s demise.
Books Where the Main Character Dies
To be fair, there are a lot of good reasons why authors kill their protagonists—especially if it means a heroic or ironic end. It is sad, yes, but extremely satisfying when done well.
Below are a few books that kill off their main characters in the best ways possible. Spoiler alert! We are talking about protagonists dying, so expect some major details about each story.
1. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
14-year-old Susie Salmon is raped and murdered early on in the story. The book then shifts to her spirit coming to terms with her death, and her family’s struggles in finding justice and moving on.
2. My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult
Anna Fitzgerald was conceived so she could save her older sister’s life with her own blood, marrow, and eventually, an organ. Tired of being the savior child, she fights for and gains medical emancipation from her parents.
Unfortunately, her ride home is t-boned by a truck right after winning the trial. Already brain-dead, her organs are used to save her sister anyway.
3. One Day by David Nicholls
After years of longing for each other but hiding it, Dexter and Emma finally form a relationship. Happy, they get married and try for a child.
And though their attempts for a kid fail many times, both are able to find success in different ways. That doesn’t matter though, as Emma gets into a bike accident and dies, leaving Dexter in despair.
4. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne
In the midst of World War 2, two young boys—Shmuel, a Jewish detainee in Auschwitz, and Bruno, the son of the death camp’s commandant—strike up an impossible friendship.
Bruno sneaks into the camp, wearing prison clothes and intent on helping his friend search for his missing father. In the process, both are captured, marched to a gas chamber, and never seen again.
5. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
George, smart but uneducated, and Lennie, strong but mentally disabled, are migrant workers hustling for the American Dream. They land jobs on a ranch and there, find an opportunity to finally reach their dreams.
Unfortunately, Lennie isn’t good with social interactions, leading to a fatal mistake. To save him from a cruel death, George is forced to give him a more merciful end.
6. The Green Mile by Stephen King
John Coffey, a quiet, hulking man, is convicted of rape and murder. Sent to death row, he is forced to endure the sadism of both inmates and guards.
Paul, a sympathetic guard, discovers John’s innocence but is unable to help. It’s too late anyways as John willingly walks to his execution, wanting to escape the cruelty of the world.
7. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Hazel Grace Lancaster is a 16-year-old with thyroid cancer. And then she meets Augustus Waters, a 17-year-old in remission.
There’s adventure and disappointment as the two explore what it feels like to love someone hard. Alas, Augustus’s cancer returns, his health deteriorates, and he dies soon after.
8. V for Vendetta by Alan Moore
The false peace of a corrupt, totalitarian state is disrupted by the appearance of V, a mysterious man hiding behind a Guy Fawkes mask. Throughout the novel, he blows up government buildings, assassinates key figures, and infuriates the state’s hidden powers.
He dies for it though, but not before ensuring his ideals live on through his protege—who takes on the identity of V and incites the populace against their oppressors.
9. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
The honorable Ned Stark is caught in a web of conspiracies after being appointed as the Hand of the King. After discovering a lie that could decide the next true king of the Seven Kingdoms, he is betrayed and executed, leading to war across the realm.
10. Bridge to Terebithia by Katherine Paterson
Jess Aarons becomes fast friends with his new neighbor, Leslie Burke after she beats him in a race. They spend most of their time in the make-believe Land of Terebithia, only accessible by swinging across a dry creek using an old rope.
After a trip to the Smithsonian with his favorite teacher, Jess arrives home to the news of Leslie’s death. Rain had transformed the creek into a river, with Leslie drowning in it after the rope broke as she swung across.
11. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
Popular high school senior Samantha Kingston dies in a car crash while coming home from a party. She wakes up the next day, reliving the last day of her life and dying again at the end of it.
Stuck in a time loop, she realizes the power she holds as the slightest changes she makes can create the most powerful effects.
12. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Destined for the slaughterhouse, Wilbur, a livestock pig, is saved by the efforts of Charlotte, a barn spider. Writing messages on her web, she turns Wilbur into a tourist attraction, using his newfound fame as protection.
But while Wilbur enjoys the attention, even entering the county fair, Charlotte is slowly dying from her naturally short lifespan. Knowing this, she entrusts Wilbur with her egg sac and dies alone on the fairgrounds.
Reading Books with Protagonist Deaths
There are many reasons why some stories end up with two or more major characters being killed. The easiest answer is that the story demands it—an outcome that is the result of these characters’ actions and choices catching up to them.
Heroes get glorious deaths, villains receive their just desserts, or sometimes both get unfair endings. Whatever the case, these deaths will provoke a powerful reaction from you, the reader. As to whether it’s satisfaction or anger you feel, that all depends on how justified their deaths are.
What book did you enjoy where the main character dies? Share it in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- How To Kill A Character Without Ruining the Story
- The Saddest Character Deaths on Screen and Paper
- 20 of the Saddest Endings on Screen and Paper
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
