The main characters in the Shell Game Story are the shell - manipulator, who is at the center of the action. He has the skills to move the shells quickly and deceive. Then there are the marks, those people who are attracted to the game, either out of greed or just plain curiosity. Sometimes, there can also be a character who has seen through the game before and tries to expose the trickster to the others.
In a general sense, if the 'shell game novel' is about the shell game itself as a form of trickery, the main characters could be the tricksters who run the game and the marks (the people being tricked). There might also be characters like investigators or bystanders who play important roles in the story's development.
The main character is Major Motoko Kusanagi. She is a strong and intelligent cyborg. Then there's Batou, her partner in the law enforcement agency. He is a reliable and tough character. Another important character is Aramaki, who is in a leadership position within the agency.
In the story of 'Ghost in the Shell 2017', the most prominent character is Major. As a cyborg, she is at the heart of the narrative. Then there's Batou, who is her partner in Section 9. He is a tough and reliable ally. There's also Aramaki, the leader of Section 9. His leadership and strategic thinking are important for the team's operations. These characters together form the core of the story as they face various challenges related to cybernetic threats and Major's search for her true self.
In Ghost in the Shell 2 Story, the main character is Major Motoko Kusanagi. She is a fascinating character, being a cyborg with a unique blend of human consciousness and cybernetic capabilities. There are other supporting characters as well, such as her colleagues in the anti - cybercrime unit. These characters interact with her, and together they face the complex situations that arise in the story, which often involve issues related to technology, identity, and the nature of existence.
The main characters in a 'life in a shell story' could be various. If it's a story about the seashore, it might be the tiny periwinkles that cling to the rocks with their shells. Or it could be the chambered nautilus, which has a very beautiful and unique shell. These characters' lives revolve around their shells, using them for protection, movement in some cases, and as a place to carry out all the functions necessary for survival.
Most likely the snail itself would be a main character. It's the one with the shell after all.
In the 'Ghost in the Shell' online story, Major Motoko Kusanagi stands out. She's a complex character, being a cyborg yet still possessing a very human - like 'ghost' or consciousness. Then there's Batou, who is not only her teammate but also someone who often provides a different perspective. There are also other characters like Togusa, who is one of the few members of the team who is still mostly human, and his presence adds an interesting dynamic as he represents the more 'pure' human side in a world dominated by cyborgs.
The sniper is obviously one of the main characters. There may also be the targets that the sniper is aiming for and perhaps some sort of handlers or allies who support the sniper's operations.
Major Motoko Kusanagi is one of the main characters. She is a cyborg with enhanced physical and mental abilities. Another important character is Batou, who is often seen as her partner in various missions.
As I haven't had the chance to explore 'the shell visual novel', it's difficult to say who the main characters are. However, in most visual novels, there are often characters that the player can identify with, such as a young hero or heroine on a quest, or a group of friends who are facing a common situation together.