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Okay fine, I’ll do it.The term deuteragonist is very liberally overused here but it does give some solid grounding on what defines one:
second most important character in narrative
significant time focused on their character arc, and perspective
their arc, and perspective prominently impacts and intersects with the protagonist and plot
Sam Winchester from Supernatural is a quintessential example.
It’s distinctive from:
dual protagonist, w/ discrete plotline and narrative to the protagonist
(e.g: Thomasina and Hannah from Stoppard’s Arcadia)
supporting protagonist, occupies the narrator role, but not focus in the narrative
(e.g: Nick from Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby)
decoy protagonist, initially appears to be protagonist but fades into background
(e.g: Lord Eddard Stark from Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire)
Firstly, the protagonist of Yu★Gi★Oh! Duel Monsters is Atem. Let’s not argue about this; it’s very much Atem’s story. Although the ending looks outwards from Atem’s arc, it does not zero in on the only after contender for the title of protagonist (Yuugi, who is also the titular character). Instead, the ending of the series is a conclusion of Atem’s storyline, and a reiteration that the themes and lessons contained within his journey are applicable to both our full cast, and - through the widening lens - implicitly the audience. Alternatively, to subsume Yuugi’s storyline into Atem’s, and call them both simultaneously the protagonists of Atem’s story, is to do both characters disrespect, and a failure to understand the narrative: the differences between them are brought up repeatedly, and it is not Yuugi who loses the ceremonial duel.So, I’m not going to argue about it. Atem is our protagonist. Do we then have a deuteragonist? Not all stories do after-all.The listed deuteragonist, both in Kazuki Takahashi’s opinion, and on the tvtropes page, is Jounouchi. Another proposed deteragonist was Seto Kaiba, but I’m just gonna go ppbbbbttt very quickly on that. And most of those entries.A deuteragonist is intended to impact, and interact with the lead’s narrative significantly. Jou and Kaiba certainly have impact, but Atem’s character arc of reclaiming his past could continue without Jou or Kaiba. Important they are, vital they are not.Yuugi Mutou on the other hand significantly impacts Atem’s arc at multiple stages. Not only is a great deal of the narrative told from his perspective (quite literal baton-passing with Atem), but the entirety of S1 deals with Yuugi identifying, and processing Atem’s existence.The role of Yuugi as a foil, counter, and support for Atem’s character is not just for the sake of the audience, but also central to how Atem learns and reclaims himself. Yuugi’s ethics, and feelings are a key influence in Atem’s growth, providing measure, support, and even conflict at times. It is particularly the last that we see some of the most prominent growth-spurts for Atem; Yuugi’s mercy, restraint, and then his disappointment in Atem’s failure to live up to this, are all plot points in Atem’s own growth, as much as they are functions of Yuugi’s character. Finally, Yuugi’s own development into a more self-confident and headstrong character becomes all but plot-mandated for Atem to pass into the afterlife, and complete his arc. Narratively, the use of Yuugi’s own development being key to the ending of YGO is both a core reason why Yuugi is sometimes taken to be the protagonist, and an overt positioning as deuteragonist. In short, the story, and Atem’s own arc could not proceed without the subplots and arcs that deal with Yuugi’s own growth. Important Yuugi is, but he is also vitally entwined with Atem. His presence is not only prominent, but also necessary.Although the story may be Atem’s journey in reclaiming his history, in order to properly begin his future, Yuugi’s role in the story is expansive, and encompassing. Jounouchi? Kaiba? No, the true deuteragonist of the series is Yuugi.