Word
protagonist
Phoneticspro·tag·o·nist, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹoʊˈtæɡənəst/
UK/pɹəʊtˈæɡənˌɪst/
Definitions
01main character
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Theater
n. the main character in a book, film, or play.
n. the principal character in a literary work, film, or drama, around whom the plot revolves.
Español:protagonista
“In the novel, the protagonist must decide between his family and his career.”
“The author challenges traditional tropes by creating a protagonist whose moral ambiguity makes it difficult for the audience to offer their full sympathy.”
Antonyms
02leader or advocate
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. an important person who leads a movement or supports a particular cause.
n. a leading figure, advocate, or champion of a particular cause, movement, or course of action.
“She was a key protagonist in the fight for better working conditions.”
“Historians identify him as a central protagonist in the reform movement, noting his ability to unify disparate political factions under a single banner.”
Real-World Examples
“Simply by making affluent black Africans the protagonists, she says she has opened many people's eyes.” “Metroid turned 40 at the end of last week – and so did Samus Aran, one of the earliest female protagonists in video games.” Etymology
From Ancient Greek πρωταγωνιστής (prōtagōnistḗs, “a chief actor”), from πρῶτος (prôtos, “first”) + ἀγωνιστής (agōnistḗs, “a combatant, pleader, actor”). By surface analysis, prot- (“first”) + agonist (“combatant, participant”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/protagonist
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0