5 Reasons Dean Winchester Is the Real Protagonist of Supernatural & 5 Reasons It's Sam Winchester

5 Reasons Dean Winchester is the Real Protagonist of Supernatural and 5 Reasons Its Sam Winchester

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re discussing who between Sam and Dean Winchester counts as “Supernatural”’s main protagonist. Since this takes a deep dive into the story, watch out for some “wayward” spoilers.

#5: Sam: He’s Relatable

Among the brothers, Sam has the most grounded appeal. He starts out as a college student shooting for a law career, dreams of having a family one day, and can hold a conversation with the average person. These are all ingredients of – as his brother Dean calls it – an “apple-pie” life. Because of these qualities, Sam is the audience surrogate between the two. With just Dean’s point of view, we wouldn’t have had that external perspective needed to ease into the series. Other fantasy franchises like “Harry Potter” and “The Vampire Diaries” similarly feature leads who begin their journeys as outsiders. Dean might be the cool character that most look up to, but Sam is the person whose shoes we initially can see ourselves standing in.

#5: Dean: His Impala Is the Show’s Framing Device

This iconic car is prominently featured in the series as Sam and Dean’s main mode of transport. But far from being just a vehicle, the Impala is part of the show’s core identity. The brothers have countless memories revolving around it, essentially coming of age on the road. There’s even an episode from the car’s perspective that portrays the protagonists’ lives while on one of their road trips. Although Sam uses it when Dean isn’t around, the Impala really is the older Winchester’s “Baby.” Let’s not forget: it was Dean who got John to buy the Impala in the first place (with some time-travel shenanigans). The Impala pretty much is “Supernatural.” And since Dean and Baby are synonymous with each other, it makes Dean the one steering the show. Like he says: [“Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole.”]

#4: Sam: His Love Life Has Greater Importance

None of the events in “Supernatural” would have happened if Sam hadn’t lost his girlfriend, Jessica. He later falls for the demon Ruby, who manipulates him into unknowingly freeing Lucifer and starting the Apocalypse. In season 8, his romance with Amelia creates a wedge between Sam and Dean. In the final season, Sam and Eileen’s relationship gives him hope for a normal life once again. The importance given to Sam’s romances adds a certain depth that his brother lacks. The younger Winchester sibling’s relationships are an essential part of his character and the series, adding a human element that balances the show’s fantasy outline. Dean’s love life in earlier seasons is fleeting at best – and by the end, the show pretty much phases it out.

#4: Dean: Later Seasons Revolve Around Him

After receiving the Mark of Cain, Dean becomes the de facto lead of “Supernatural.” Whether it’s being corrupted by the Mark, his connection with Amara, or being possessed by Alternate Michael, Dean is front and center in later storylines. Although Sam is never irrelevant, he mainly acts as a supporting figure in Dean’s arcs. Compared to earlier seasons, Sam rarely has direct involvement in most conflicts, which could technically continue without him. On the other hand, Dean’s actions influence the plot, and his decisions lead to the next season’s story. Their dynamic becomes similar to “hero-sidekick,” as Sam follows Dean’s plans even if he doesn’t agree with him.

#3: Sam: He’s the Chosen One

“Supernatural” was initially conceived by Eric Kripke as a series with a five-season arc. As fans know, the original storyline revolves around the Apocalypse. And who’s Lucifer’s handpicked meatsuit? That would be our very own Sammy. While the devil’s endgame is revealed much later, Sam’s role is cemented in the first episode when the demon Azazel chooses Sam to act as Lucifer’s vessel. It’s long-term storytelling at its finest, as Sam and Dean’s adventures circle around his fate as the chosen one. While Dean’s role as the “Michael Sword” is revealed later, it ultimately isn’t as important since Michael simply turns to younger half-brother, Adam, instead. Original fans of “Supernatural” were basically invested in Sam’s story – at least until the season 5 finale.

#3: Dean: He’s Closer to the Supporting Characters

What do characters like Castiel, Benny, Charlie, and Bobby have in common? They all prefer Dean to Sam. Despite being a father figure for both, Bobby even specifically mentions Dean as his favorite. The show might present him as a lone wolf, but Dean seems to have a more profound bond with the supporting characters. Among the two brothers, characters usually befriend Dean first before meeting Sam. He’s the person people open up to and feel comfortable being around. He may be rough around the edges, but Dean still provides the kind of support that makes it easy to be vulnerable around him. Most main protagonists bring the rest of the cast together – in “Supernatural”’s case, that role easily belongs to Dean.

#2: Sam: The Show Follows His Entire Life

As far as exploring every layer of a character goes, fans have seen Sam through it all. When “Supernatural” begins, Sam is a newborn. When it ends, we witness his final moments as an elderly man. The show concludes upon his arrival at Heaven, bookending his story from start to finish. In between, we also catch several glimpses of him as a teen and young adult, leaving no stone unturned about his life. Since Dean doesn’t show up in the season 14 premiere, Sam is the only character to appear in every episode of the series. While his older brother passes away at a younger age, Sam continues the Winchester bloodline into the next generation. From this context, “Supernatural” can be considered a long-running story about Sam’s hero’s journey.

#2: Dean: He’s Killed the Most Villains

Each season of “Supernatural” has a Big Bad and sometimes more than one, as well as secondary villains. The brothers work together to beat them, but Dean is more often than not the designated villain-killer. His list of slayings begins with the Winchesters’ archnemesis Azazel. Following seasons see Dean, or Dean as Michael’s vessel, take down threats like Ruby, Zachariah, Eve, Dick Roman, Abaddon, Lucifer, and even Death himself. Sam does have a few kills like Lilith and Alastair to his name, but these don’t carry the same impact compared to Dean. The elder Winchester has also wielded fabled weapons like the First Blade, the Archangel blade, and Death’s Scythe. As the fated “Michael Sword,” Dean has lived up to titles like the Righteous Man and the Soldier of Heaven. He might not see himself as a hero, but Dean certainly fits the description in more ways than one.

#1: Sam: He Was the Original Lead Character

At the onset, Sam is positioned as the face of the show. Jared Padalecki also receives top billing, a spot usually reserved for the lead star. The mystery behind Sam’s powers and his connection to Azazel is the original series outline. Sam’s personal arc is about moving on from Jessica’s death and reconciling with his father. Jensen Ackles deserves credit for making Dean stand out, but his character’s initial role isn’t clearly defined. Since he serves as Sam’s window into the supernatural world, Dean’s story is hooked to his brother’s. There’s no doubt that the duo’s chemistry is the key to the show’s success. However, the first season is firmly tipped in Sam’s favor.

#1: Dean: His Love for Sam Is The Driving Force of the Show

The main theme of “Supernatural” is family. They might face monsters and beings of primordial creation, but the brothers’ bond makes the show what it is. And while Sam definitely loves his brother, the reason for Dean’s existence is to look after Sammy. From selling his soul to reaching the deepest depths of Hell, Dean’s love for Sam knows no bounds. “Supernatural”’s thematic qualities would never have reached the heights it did without Dean’s role as his brother’s protector. This aspect ties together every arc of the series – from the premiere to the finale. The show knows this as well, as Dean’s life ends with one last emotional goodbye with Sam, ushering in the end of “Supernatural.”

Which Winchester brother is your hero? Let us know in the comments.