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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

Muldoon starred in Paul Verhoeven's sci-fi action film Starship Troopers in 1997, playing Zander Barcalow, the romantic rival of the lead character, portrayed by Casper Van Dien.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

At its best, “Hoppers” is mildly amusing, but that aspect barely covers for the deficiencies of its lead character, who is mildly annoying.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

"The main thing I wanted was the sense of empathy you felt for Teddy," he said of the lead character, played with characteristic bravura by the always-watchable Jesse Plemons.

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

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

From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein