Who Is The Protagonist In The Cask Of Amontillado

In the story, “The Cask of Amontillado,” by Edgar Allen Poe, the strategy used by Montresor to drag Fortunato into the trap of the death by using his own best skill makes Montresor the most effective killer of his time. The story clearly explains that Montresor is a protagonist, but the way he plans the murder and gets away with it is appreciable. Using Fortunato’s knowledge about wine as his main weapon to kill Fortunato makes him the perfect killer.
The interesting part of the story is the planning of the murder. Montresor is prepared for every possible situation that can arise in his deed. Fortunato’s greatest pride was his knowledge about wine. He correctly figures out the weakness of Fortunato which is most important tactic while facing an opponent. He uses

Although it is forecasted in the story that something was about to happen inside the vault, Fortunato is not aware of it. When Montresor says,” "My friend, no. It is not the engagement, but the severe cold with which I perceive you are afflicted. The vaults are insufferably damp. They are encrusted with nitre." He seems to be nice and caring to Fortunato until the end of story, but it was all part of his plan. When he takes Fortunato into his vaults, he keeps on suggesting to return after Fortunato start’s coughing. It is ironic that when Fortunato says he will not be killed by a cough and Montresor agrees to it as he knew exactly what would kill him. Montresor had been so nice to him that he thought is as a joke even when he was chained. This can be proved when Fortunato says, "Ha! ha! ha! -- he! he! -- a very good joke indeed -- an excellent jest. We will have many a rich laugh about it at the palazzo -- he! he! he! -- over our wine -- he! he! he!" Montresor did not only act like being a close friend with Fortunato, he was also able to gain his trust in such a way that Fortunato would never doubt