protagonist

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

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

   The protagonist of the novel is a young detective.

2. 2
   noun

   An important supporter or leader of a cause or idea.

   She was a leading protagonist of the reform movement.

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”).

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