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lead character

NOUN
protagonist
Synonyms
STRONGEST
central character central figure hero heroine leading character leading figure main character main figure principal principal character principal figure
STRONG
central player key player leading player main player principal player star title role
WEAK
archetype idol
Antonyms
STRONGEST
antagonist
STRONG
bit player
WEAK
boss

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Andy Sachs, the lead character played by Anne Hathaway, has returned to working for Priestly at Runway after being laid off from her job as an investigative journalist.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

Yet the film, co-written by Mr. Boyson and Ricky Camilleri, gets even better as it develops a second lead character.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Jonas wrote the pilot several years ago without a particular actor in mind for the lead character, who narrates the novel as if she were delivering an ongoing monologue.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

He was best known for playing Dawson, the lead character of the eponymous 1998-2003 teen drama that followed a group of friends living in a small Massachusetts town.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

A very talented actor played the lead character, Gee DoubleYou.

From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein