Who is considered the main character in the Sumerian epic poem "The Epic of Gilgamesh"?

The main character in the Sumerian epic poem "The Epic of Gilgamesh" is Gilgamesh himself. This ancient narrative tells the story of Gilgamesh, who is two-thirds divine and one-third human, and his quest for immortality. Throughout the poem, he grapples with themes of friendship, mortality, and the human condition.

The journey begins with his friendship with Enkidu, a wild man created by the gods to challenge Gilgamesh's tyranny. Their bond drives much of the narrative, but Gilgamesh remains the central figure as the story follows his adventures and ultimate quest after the death of Enkidu. Gilgamesh's interactions with various characters, including the wise Utnapishtim, serve to further highlight his personal growth and existential dilemmas, but it is his journey and transformation that defines the epic. Thus, Gilgamesh’s character arc and the decisions he makes are pivotal to the story's development and its enduring legacy in literature.