protagonist
protagonist Lexical Profile
protagonist Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The leading character or one of the major characters in a drama, movie, novel, or other narrative work.
"The novel follows a young protagonist who leaves her rural hometown to study architecture in the capital."
An active supporter, leader, or champion of a particular cause, movement, or political idea.
"She emerged as a key protagonist in the campaign for renewable energy legislation."
Word Nuance & Usage
Because 'proto-' means 'first' (not 'for'), some traditional usage guides object to using 'protagonist' to mean 'proponent' or 'advocate', though this extended sense is now widely accepted in standard English.
• Rhymes for protagonist
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 17th century from Ancient Greek 'protagonistes' ('actor who plays the chief or first part'), formed from 'protos' ('first') and 'agonistes' ('actor, competitor'), from 'agon' ('contest').