Protagonist: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Protagonist noun. The main character in a story, play or film; also a leading figure in a cause or contest.
How to say it
pruh-TAG-uh-nist/prəˈtaɡ(ə)nɪst/
4 syllables, stressed on the second (TAG). Forms: protagonists.
Protagonist in a sentence
The novel's protagonist is a retired lighthouse keeper with a talent for lying.
She was a leading protagonist in the campaign to reopen the railway.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- hero
- heroine
- lead
- main character
Opposite:
- antagonist
Where protagonist comes from
From Greek prōtagōnistēs, the actor who plays the chief part, from prōtos, first, and agōnistēs, actor.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
She was a leading _____ in the campaign to reopen the railway.
- protagonist
- satire
- censorship
Show the answer
protagonist: She was a leading protagonist in the campaign to reopen the railway.