This makes sense. There is a mismatch between the narrative of the story and how the game is actually played. You're right that not everybody can be "the one".
Back in the old days, Sonic, for example, was the main character and Tails was just his friend. A second player could participate. But you could take turns being Sonic.
I think with newer games, your character is persistent and personal. You aren't going to take turns being "the one".
Persistent and personal is an aspect that makes the most sense in the long run. As a 'Player' I am playing a game in a persistent world with others, whereas personal could be the characters, not the players, narrative in relation to the games story.
I am probably too expectant of a game to appease both sides of the player/character dichotomy.
Thanks for your feedback. Sonic 2 on the Sega Genesis was my favorite game as a youngster!