In any narrative, the focal character is the character on whom the audience is meant to place the majority of their interest and attention. They are almost always also the protagonist of the story; however, in cases where the "focal character" and "protagonist" are separate, the focal character's emotions and ambitions are not meant to be empathized with by the audience to as high an extent as the protagonist (this is the main difference between the two character terms).
In any narrative, the focal character is the central figure whose interest and attention are primarily focused on by the audience. They are usually also the protagonist; however, in cases where "focal character" and "protagonist" differ, the emotions and ambitions of the focal character are not meant to be empathized with as much by the audience as those of the protagonist (this is a significant distinction between these two terms).