So, if you were to ask me- Forget Otonashi. This is the real Protagonist.
Angel Beats! is such a weird beast in how it was first devised with Hinata as the protagonist with Track Zero, yet the series took a turn with the anime in starting with Otonashi. The Heaven’s Door content was the original beginning, but due to restraints, this ‘second’ protagonist was the focus of the story. Turns out the anime gets really popular, and well, Otonashi is basically the main protag now with Hinata coming in as the secondary. Otonashi coming into the madness is also much more suitable for a VN.
This is actually my first series seeing two protagonists that are split with how the timeline works. Hinata is like relations captain and Otonashi is the hard working nice guy who brings in a new ideology and takes rein of the story. It’s interesting looking at the two from the perspective of the rest of the SSS. Hinata is just always there and kinda starts getting put to the side as things get hectic, then Otonashi comes in and becomes the hero. Really weird, but I like it. I really like it. It’s telling of how varied the universe is when you look at all its immensely different perspectives from its characters.
Also Hinata is a total badass and shows intense compassion for his role as second hand to Yuri, always looking out for her- Despite her seemingly always being a step ahead. Good effort, Hinacchi!