Ever since fans first met Chandra Wilson's Grey's Anatomy character Miranda Bailey, it's clear that she's as kind as she is tough. She goes through it all, from personal to professional problems, and somehow keeps her sense of humor, even though she can sometimes be more sarcastic than sweet.
With many dramatic episodes about Meredith, it's easy to see Ellen Pompeo's character as the focal point of the series. Especially since she does most of the voiceovers and the storylines revolve around her. However, there's a strong case to be made for Bailey as the protagonist, though.
She's A Mentor To The Other Characters
From day one, Bailey is a mean and intimidating doctor, and the others aren't so sure about her. Slowly, the interns realize that they have so much to learn from the brilliant Bailey, and since she's a mentor to the other characters, it seems like she should definitely be considered the main character on Grey's Anatomy.
She helps Meredith, George, Izzie, Alex, and all of the newer doctors become who they are today. They would never have become so successful without Bailey's education and influence.
Her Character Arc Mirrors Meredith's
While a confusing character with storylines that don't add up, Meredith is still considered the protagonist of this show. Yet, a case can still be made for Miranda Bailey.
Bailey's character arc mirrors Meredith's in many ways. She divorces her first husband, which is a bit similar to how Meredith ends up single after losing Derek. She makes mistakes at work and gets into trouble, just like Meredith. And she also has to learn how to become softer and more vulnerable instead of putting up walls all the time.
She Struggles To Balance Her Personal Life And Work
A TV show's main character shouldn't be perfect or have their life totally together. Instead, they should have many flaws and be relatable to viewers.
Bailey has always struggled to balance her work and personal life. From her marriage to Ben to her desire to keep rising in her career, she has never found easy answers to the question of balance, and this makes her such an interesting character to watch.
Meredith Names Her Baby After Bailey
When Bailey makes sure that Meredith doesn't die while giving birth in the ninth season, Meredith is understandably emotional and grateful. In fact, she names her baby after Bailey.
This choice proves how important Bailey is and is another reason why she's actually the main character. The others think so highly of her and they know that they would be nowhere without her.
She Becomes The Hospital's Chief Of Surgery
While Bailey does step down from her position, the fact that she is made Chief of Surgery is an amazing and wonderful accomplishment.
This is 0ne reason why she feels like the main character on the hospital drama. She's the one in charge of everyone, after all, and while the stories are told through the lens of Meredith's experience, Bailey is controlling the medical narrative in this way. She has more power than Meredith here.
She Makes Moral Choices On A Regular Basis
Whether realizing that the other doctors have made big medical mistakes or punishing her husband Ben, Bailey doesn't have an easy time at work.
She's always making moral decisions and this makes her a strong main character, as her storylines see her wrestle with big and important themes - such as life and death, love and pain, and trust and loyalty. While the other characters do face tough moments, Bailey seems to consider her every move a lot more carefully.
She Falls Down And Picks Herself Back Up Again
Bailey is strong and tough, and yet she's one of the Grey's Anatomy characters who falls down and picks herself right back up. She's vulnerable but doesn't let her mistakes take her down.
For instance, in the ninth season, Bailey is wearing a certain type of gloves that caused the infection in some patients, who ended up passing away. Bailey gets really upset and it eventually becomes clear that she had OCD. Bailey really has a hard time, but she is able to keep moving forward. However, the fact that the episodes allowed viewers to see her internal struggles does prove why she is the main character. None of the recurring characters have ever had this much focus.
She Has A Moving Story
For someone to be the main character of a TV show, they need a compelling and powerful character arc that is going to bring viewers to tears or at least make them feel something.
Miranda Bailey definitely has that, especially in the season 14 episode "(Don't Fear) the Reaper." When Bailey has a heart attack, the show explores her childhood in flashbacks and viewers learn that she has always tried so hard to be successful. Her perfectionist tendencies come out, and it's super powerful to see how she became the incredible doctor that she is today.
She's Always Likeable
The advice that Meredith gives is both good and bad, but Bailey has her beat when it comes to wise words. This makes her an incredibly likable character.
Because Bailey gives such intelligent and helpful advice, she definitely feels like the main character. When she's a resident, she tells the interns about the five rules that she has, and this sets them up for success as they realize that she isn't going to suffer fools. Bailey is strict and tough with the others, but they know that she means well and she looks out for them at every turn. There isn't a single scene where she isn't someone that fans can love.
She Holds Many Different Positions
While Grey's Anatomy doesn't always accurately portray a medical career, Bailey's work has always been inspiring and important.
Bailey also seems like the show's main character because she holds many different positions over the years. She's a resident, an Attending General Surgeon, and finally the Chief of Surgery. This allows her to see different sides of the place where she works and experiences many ups and downs. The main character should definitely move around a bit, so they can interact with the other characters and always know what's going on.