In "The Portrait of a Lady", who is the protagonist who inherits a significant fortune?

In "The Portrait of a Lady" by Henry James, Isabel Archer is the protagonist who inherits a significant fortune, which plays a crucial role in shaping her character and the plot. Isabel is an intelligent and independent young American woman who travels to Europe, where she encounters various influences and challenges. Her inheritance not only gives her financial independence but also enables her to explore her identity and the constraints placed on her by society and her relationships.

The inheritance is pivotal because it attracts various characters who have their own interests in Isabel, leading to complex themes of freedom, choice, and the consequences of wealth. As she navigates these relationships and societal expectations, Isabel’s journey reveals her inner struggles and aspirations, making her the central figure through which the novel's themes are explored.