Pragmatic protagonist vs cautious protagonist

[OP1000]

Is there a significant difference between the two types of protagonists?

 

[LilRora]

If you ask me, those two are two different words with completely different meaning.

Pragmatic means looking at things and behaving based on practical considerations, so no what-ifs and theoretical ramblings - which is a significant part of what being cautious can be about, because a cautious protag thinks ahead and is wary of things. That doesn't necessarily mean they act based on theoretical considerations, which would be the opposite of being pragmatic, but they can.

Those two things can obviously overlap or conflict with each other in specific cases; in general I'd say they are two different non-exclusive traits.

 

[CupcakeNinja]

Is there a significant difference between the two types of protagonists?

the first handle things sensibly, the second avoids potential danger. A pragmatic person is probably more reliable, because they can stay calm and collected and deal with a situation in the way that makes most sense. A careful person would just avoid that situation altogether if they can

 

[RepresentingCaution]

careful

That's a bit different from cautious if you ask me. A cautious person will hesitate before going into a situation and often miss the mark. A careful person will go into a situation with eyes wide open, paying full attention and responding to things in time.

 

[TheEldritchGod]

Is there a significant difference between the two types of protagonists?

Yes. In fact, I would go so far as to say, they are nothing alike. A cautious MC won't take chances. A Pragmatic MC will do the practical choice.

For example, Lets say I am bad at leading an army, but I hve an army I have to lead. My enemy is very talented.

The Cautious Choice would be to turtle up and build defenses.
The Pragmatic Choice is to bum rush ASAP.

The cautious choice will buy you time, but ultimately if they are better than you, you will lose.
The only PRACTICAL choice is to bet everything on a long shot. When the odds are stacked against you, but you MUST gamble, bet everything on one roll and let the die fly. Ergo, the practical choice is to mount up everything you can and just charge the mutherfucker at night. Yes, night attacks are bad, but they are bad for EVERYONE. I can't win with skill, but I might win with luck.

But If I AM more skilled, then I should turtle up and take my time, because time is on my side. Being Cautious is the PRAGMATIC choice.

Frankly, I don't even understand how you can make them 'vs'.

 

[CupcakeNinja]

mj

That's a bit different from cautious if you ask me. A cautious person will hesitate before going into a situation and often miss the mark. A careful person will go into a situation with eyes wide open, paying full attention and responding to things in time.

nah, cuz caution is an emotion and careful is an action. They mean the same thing basically, tho

 

[Prince_Azmiran_Myrian]

Which one would win in a fight? Against each other.

 

[TheEldritchGod]

Which one would win in a fight? Against each other.

Pragmatic.

 

[Prince_Azmiran_Myrian]

Pragmatic.

But what if he wasn't cautious enough?

 

[TheEldritchGod]

But what if he wasn't cautious enough?

Doesn't matter. Being cautious is absolute. Pragmatic is adaptable. One can change, one cannot. Do I need to explain any further?

 

[CupcakeNinja]

Doesn't matter. Being cautious is absolute. Pragmatic is adaptable. One can change, one cannot. Do I need to explain any further?

when not everything goes according to keikaku, you need to be able to improvise. Adapt. Overcome

 

[aattss]

Being cautious is trying to avoid unnecessary danger while being pragmatic is being "smarter" than everyone else.

 

[Deleted member 54065]

There's an invasion of the country where the protagonist is staying at, and he is given responsibility to lead that place's defense forces...

Pragmatic protagonist: "Send scouts ahead. If the enemy's condition, position and numbers are on par or inferior than us, then we fight. If not, then we retreat to a more defensible place."

Cautious protagonist: "We retreat to a more defensible place."

So, I think a pragmatic protag will decide his next move according to the conditions (if it will favor him or not, even with the slightest chance), while a cautious protag will make sure he will have a 100% advantage before making his stand/decision.

Bonus
Idealist protagonist: "We attack head on. Do or die, lezgo!" (He moves/decides according to his beliefs, no matter how big or small his chance of winning.)

Power Isekai/Stupid protagonist: "No need come fight with me. Just watch me win the battle for you guys." (Nuff said. MC goes brrrrrrrrrr....GGWP)

 

[BearlyAlive]

A pragmatist adapts to the situation while a cautious person avoids any danger as good as he can. One acts while the other reacts.

In a fight where both parties are at their best the cautious one would always win tho since every contingency would be planned for.

 

[Prince_Azmiran_Myrian]

A pragmatist adapts to the situation while a cautious person avoids any danger as good as he can. One acts while the other reacts.

In a fight where both parties are at their best the cautious one would always win tho since every contingency would be planned for.

Makes me think of the anime 'Cautious Hero' for some reason.
What anime would be pragmatic hero?
'How realist hero rebuilt the kingdom' ?