protagonist

The main person in a story, play, or film.

• The protagonist is a young girl.
• The film has two protagonists with very different goals.
• Readers follow the protagonist through a series of adventures.

How to use it: protagonist of something (The protagonist of the novel is a young doctor.)

Similar words: main character, central character, lead

Common phrases: main protagonist, female protagonist, protagonist of something

One of the most important people taking part in a contest or event.

• The two protagonists shook hands before the contest.
• Several protagonists in the debate refused to compromise.
• The championship lost its leading protagonist through injury.

How to use it: protagonist in something (Both protagonists in the contest arrived early.)

Similar words: leading participant, principal performer

Common phrases: leading protagonist, protagonist in something

Someone who actively supports an idea, cause, or planned action.

• He became a protagonist of political reform.
• The campaign attracted several enthusiastic protagonists.
• Protagonists of the policy argued that it would reduce poverty.

How to use it: protagonist of something (She was an early protagonist of educational reform.)

Similar words: advocate, champion, supporter

Opposites: opponent

Common phrases: protagonist of reform, protagonist of something