protagonist

[proh-tag-uh-nist] / proʊˈtæg ə nɪst /

NOUN

central figure of narrative

Synonyms

STRONGEST

central character central figure hero heroine lead character leading character leading figure main character main figure principal principal character principal figure

STRONG

central player key player leading player main player principal player star title role

WEAK

archetype idol

Antonyms

STRONGEST

antagonist

STRONG

bit player

WEAK

boss

NOUN

leader in a movement or cause

Synonyms

STRONGEST

backer crusader enthusiast leader standard-bearer upholder

STRONG

advocate champion defender exponent promoter proponent protector supporter

WEAK

prime mover

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Carson McCullers’s 12-year-old protagonist, who lives in a small Southern town, is in crisis throughout the August weekend of her brother’s nuptials.

From The Wall Street Journal

A key protagonist in the protest movement was Reza Pahlavi, the son of the ousted shah.

From Barron's

Especially moving in “Neptune’s Fortune” is the insight and empathy Mr. Sancton brings to his consideration of the book’s bedeviled but oddly gallant protagonist.

From The Wall Street Journal

Another issue is that there is no protagonist.

From Los Angeles Times

“Now, I completely know what it means. Waldo, this protagonist, her voice — I was waking up in the middle of the night thinking of this character.”

From Los Angeles Times

protagonist

Example Sentences

Related Words