Get gameObjects from a protected GameObject array of base class in derived class

I have a StageScript in which I am filling an array in the inspector named UnorthodoxSeats marking it as [SerializeField] protected GameObject[] UnorthodoxSeats in the script. When the script runs, after some time a Character is instantiated to move towards the seat. The Character has also a script named CharacterScript which is the derived class of StageScript. Now, In the CharacterScript whenever I get UnorthodoxSeats.Length it shows 0. I am confused why?

Any help would be awesome.