protagonist
pruh-TAG-uh-nihst
Protagonist (noun) means the main character in a story, film, or play. Example: “The protagonist must choose between loyalty and ambition.”
noun
1
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."
2
A leading figure or champion of a cause.
"She became a leading protagonist of the reform movement."
How to use protagonist
Learner’s notesIn 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
Common pairings
the story's protagonist
main protagonist
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Word forms
- Plural
- protagonists
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ must choose between loyalty and ambition.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek prōtagōnistḗs, "the first actor," from prôtos ("first") plus agōnistḗs ("actor, contestant.")
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for protagonist
Zionist
arsonist
antagonist
cartoonist
saxophonist
illusionist
tobacconist
abolitionist
receptionist
nutritionist
exhibitionist
perfectionist
See all rhymes for protagonist →
Frequently asked questions
What does “protagonist” mean?
The word “protagonist” means the main character in a story, film, or play. In plain terms, the central character a story revolves around, or more broadly, a leading figure in some cause or effort.
How do you pronounce “protagonist”?
“Protagonist” is pronounced pruh-TAG-uh-nihst (/pɹoʊˈtæɡ.ə.nɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “protagonist” in a sentence?
Here is “protagonist” used in a sentence: “The protagonist must choose between loyalty and ambition.”
What is the opposite of “protagonist”?
The opposite of “protagonist” — its antonyms — is antagonist.
What part of speech is “protagonist”?
“Protagonist” is a noun.
Where does the word “protagonist” come from?
The word “protagonist” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek prōtagōnistḗs, "the first actor," from prôtos ("first") plus agōnistḗs ("actor, contestant.").
Is “protagonist” a common word?
“Protagonist” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “protagonist” have?
“Protagonist” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the main character in a story, film, or play.
What is the difference between a "protagonist" and a "hero"?
A protagonist is simply the main character in a story, film, or play around whom the plot centers, regardless of their moral qualities. A "hero" specifically implies admirable or virtuous qualities, so a protagonist can be flawed, morally ambiguous, or even villainous without being a hero.
Can a story have more than one protagonist?
Yes, many stories feature multiple protagonists whose perspectives and arcs share central focus, such as ensemble casts in novels or films. This differs from a single protagonist narrative, where one character clearly drives the plot.
What is the difference between a "protagonist" and an "antagonist"?
The protagonist is the main character whose goals and journey drive the story, while the antagonist is the character or force that opposes them. Together they typically create the central conflict of a narrative.
