protagonist

[proh-tag-uh-nist]

protagonist Definition

the main character in a story, play, or movie who drives the plot forward.

Using protagonist: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "protagonist" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    Harry Potter is the protagonist of the Harry Potter series.

  • Example

    In Romeo and Juliet, Romeo is the male protagonist.

  • Example

    Katniss Everdeen is the protagonist of The Hunger Games trilogy.

protagonist Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for protagonist

Antonyms for protagonist

Phrases with protagonist

  • a main character in a tragedy who suffers a downfall due to a tragic flaw or fate

    Example

    Oedipus is a tragic protagonist in the play Oedipus Rex.

  • a main character who is not likable or relatable to the audience

    Example

    Holden Caulfield in The Catcher in the Rye is an example of an unsympathetic protagonist.

  • female protagonist

    a main character in a story who identifies as female

    Example

    Hermione Granger is a female protagonist in the Harry Potter series.

Origins of protagonist

from Greek 'protos' meaning 'first' + 'agonistes' meaning 'actor'

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Summary: protagonist in Brief

A protagonist [proh-tag-uh-nist] is the main character in a story, play, or movie who drives the plot forward. Examples include Harry Potter, Romeo, and Katniss Everdeen. A tragic protagonist suffers a downfall, while an unsympathetic protagonist is not likable. A female protagonist identifies as female.

How do native speakers use this expression?