noun

protagonist

pruh-TAG-uh-nihst

noun

The main character in a story, film, or play.

"The protagonist must choose between loyalty and ambition."

"Readers quickly warmed to the novel's stubborn young protagonist."

A leading figure or champion of a cause.

"She became a leading protagonist of the reform movement."

How to Use Protagonist

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe central character a story revolves around, or more broadly, a leading figure in some cause or effort.

Common mistake

A protagonist isn't necessarily good — the term describes narrative centrality, not morality. The opposing character is the antagonist.

Easily confused with

antagonist

Common pairings

the story's protagonist main protagonist

protagonists plural

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Can you complete this real example?

The _____ must choose between loyalty and ambition.

From Ancient Greek prōtagōnistḗs, "the first actor," from prôtos ("first") plus agōnistḗs ("actor, contestant.")

antagonist

enemy opponent

Zionist arsonist cartoonist illusionist tobacconist receptionist nutritionist exhibitionist perfectionist impressionist contortionist projectionist

antagonist enemy opponent