Who Is The Protagonist In 'Autoboyography'?

The protagonist in 'Autoboyography' is Tanner Scott, a bisexual high school senior who's trying to navigate love and identity in a conservative Mormon community. When Tanner takes a writing class, he falls hard for Sebastian Brother, the Mormon prodigy teaching the seminar. Tanner's journey is raw and relatable—he's witty, vulnerable, and painfully real as he grapples with coming out, first love, and the clash between his feelings and Sebastian's faith. What makes Tanner special is his voice; his narration balances self-deprecating humor with deep emotional honesty, especially when describing his family dynamics or the ache of wanting someone he can't fully have. The book captures that terrifying-exciting phase of life where everything feels monumental, and Tanner embodies that perfectly.

In 'Autoboyography', the protagonist Tanner Scott is this refreshingly authentic queer teen who makes you root for him from page one. He’s got this sharp, observational humor that cuts through the heavier themes—like when he jokes about his mom’s over-the-top allyship or his own awkward attempts at flirting. But beneath the sarcasm, there’s real depth. Tanner’s relationship with Sebastian isn’t just a romance; it’s a collision of worlds. Sebastian represents everything Tanner both desires and fears: acceptance, passion, and the risk of heartbreak. Their dynamic is electric because Tanner doesn’t idealize Sebastian—he sees his flaws, his conflicted devotion to his church, and loves him anyway.

What struck me most was how Tanner’s bisexuality is portrayed without stereotypes. His attraction to Sebastian isn’t framed as a 'phase' or a rebellion; it’s just part of his messy, beautiful self-discovery. The scenes where he writes his autoboyography (a meta twist on the title) are particularly poignant—you see him wrestling with how to tell his truth while fearing rejection. The supporting characters, like his supportive-but-clueless parents or his fiercely loyal sister, add layers to his journey. This isn’t just a coming-out story; it’s about the courage to love openly in spaces that might not love you back.

Tanner from 'Autoboyography' is one of those protagonists who stays with you long after you finish the book. He’s not your typical YA hero—he’s messy, impulsive, and sometimes makes terrible decisions (like submitting a fictionalized version of his life for class). But that’s what makes him compelling. His love for Sebastian isn’t sugarcoated; it’s desperate and hopeful and frustrating, especially when Sebastian pulls away due to religious guilt. Tanner’s anger at the Mormon Church’s stance on homosexuality isn’t just political—it’s personal, tied to the boy he can’t fully reach.

The novel’s structure as Tanner’s 'autoboyography' adds clever layers. We see him rewrite scenes, trying to control narratives he can’t in real life. His voice shifts from witty to raw, especially in moments like when he describes kissing Sebastian—'like trying to hold onto sunlight.' That metaphor captures Tanner perfectly: someone who chases brightness even when it burns. If you want a protagonist who feels achingly real, Tanner’s your guy.