stock character

NOUN

part

Synonyms

STRONGEST

piece

STRONG

antagonist bit cameo character dialogue hero lead lines protagonist villain walk-on

WEAK

bit part leading role minor role principal character romantic lead silent bit straight part supporting role title role

Antonyms

WEAK

whole

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.

Iago, one of Shakespeare’s greatest villains, is an updated version of this stock character.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 17, 2026

Because Neeson is so adept at rendering this stock character, he doesn’t always work very hard at it.

From Washington Post • Apr. 27, 2022

Merely a stock character from what Lewis’s friend and mentor H.L.

From New York Times • Dec. 31, 2021

Besson’s filmography mirrors the descent of this stock character so precisely, it could well all be his fault.

From The Guardian • Aug. 19, 2019

She is a stock character on the stage.

From The Works of Charles and Mary Lamb — Volume 6 Letters 1821-1842 by Lamb, Mary