1. The author shares the protagonist's views: This is a possibility, but it's not a guarantee. The author might genuinely believe in the cause and use the protagonist to advocate for it.
2. The author is exploring the complexities of the issue: The author may be using the protagonist to explore different perspectives on civil rights, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of the movement without necessarily endorsing every aspect of it.
3. The author is using the protagonist as a tool for other themes: The author might be interested in exploring other themes, like social justice, political activism, or personal growth, and the protagonist's activism might be a vehicle for those themes.
4. The author is creating a fictional character for artistic purposes: The author might simply be crafting an engaging character with a strong personality. The protagonist's activism might be a defining trait, but it doesn't necessarily reflect the author's own views.
Factors to Consider:
* The portrayal of the protagonist: Is the protagonist a heroic figure, a flawed individual, or a complex person with both positive and negative traits?
* The context of the story: Is the story set in a specific historical period or a fictional world?
* The author's other works: Have they written other works that deal with social issues or political themes?
* The author's public statements: Do they publicly express views on civil rights or social justice?
Ultimately, it's important to avoid making assumptions about an author's opinions based on their fictional characters. Reading the novel, considering the context, and exploring the author's other works can provide a more nuanced understanding.