The protagonist in Willa Cather’s novel My Ántonia is Ántonia Shimerda. The story is narrated by Jim Burden, who reflects on his childhood memories growing up in Nebraska alongside Ántonia.
Ántonia, a Bohemian immigrant, embodies the spirit of resilience and strength in the face of hardship. Her character represents the struggles and triumphs of immigrant life in America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Throughout the novel, Jim’s admiration for her and their evolving relationship highlights themes of nostalgia, cultural identity, and the connection to the land.
While Jim serves as the narrator and provides a lens through which we view Ántonia’s life, it is her journey, characterized by challenges and personal growth, that truly positions her as the heart of the story. Cather’s portrayal of Ántonia captures the essence of perseverance and the richness of her experiences, making her an unforgettable protagonist in American literature.