protagonist
n. countablen. the main character in a story, movie, or play. This person is usually the one you follow most closely and who faces the biggest challenges.
n. the leading character or one of the major figures in a drama, movie, novel, or other fictional text. Often contrasted with the antagonist, who provides the primary conflict.
The protagonist of the novel is a young detective.
In many classic fairy tales, the protagonist must complete three difficult tasks to prove their worth.
Modern literature often features an unreliable protagonist whose perspective forces the reader to question the reality of the events being described.
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”).
Commonly used in literary analysis; can also refer to a leading supporter of a cause or movement.