Protagonist's gender unknown

Hi

When writing a paper what do you do if you do not know the sex of the protagonist (it is not stated directly in the text)? Although I am pretty sure the protagonist is a man, I am reluctant to write "he" due to the fact that it is not stated directly in the text and therefore just as easily could be a woman.

What do you do in these situations? Of course I could write he/she, his/her, but having to write that all through a paper just seems.. Well, not the right answer. Let me provide you with an example:

"Through his/her thoughts the protagonist shares his/her views on his/her fellow audience members whom he/she does not like at all."



And the above is just one sentence. Imagine having to do that throughout an entire paper! Isn't there a better way?



Thanks!