Who is the protagonist? Why?

Peter Brownrigg is the 14-year-old protagonist and narrator of the story. He's a spirited youth who finds himself in trouble a lot. He's a dynamic character, however, who quickly learns to take responsibility for his mistakes. He has a warrant out for his arrest by Sir Phillip Morton because of whom he left Cumberland. In the end, however, Peter learns that Morton is no more trustworthy of a prosecutor than he is of a farmer. Peter, along with help from a few friends, sets out on an adventure to prevent Morton and his colleagues from assassinating the Queen of England. Peter makes amends for his wrongdoings and turns his attention to helping others.