protagonists

NOUN

person who takes the lead; central figure of narrative

Synonyms

STRONGEST

combatant hero idol

STRONG

advocate champion exemplar exponent lead leader mainstay principal standard-bearer warrior

WEAK

central character lead character prime mover

Antonyms

WEAK

antagonist

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.

Swann allows her sheep protagonists to express themselves in her book without abandoning their sheep identity.

From Salon • May 17, 2026

I’ve seen too many protagonists skulk down dark hallways, but McCarthy’s version of that shot is so visceral that you feel like he’s really been there.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

Kane said the show would be a great way to celebrate, adding: "What a delightful coincidence that the age of the theatre intersects with the age of our protagonists."

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

A handshake between the protagonists disguises hell-bent hunger to degrade each other as far as non-contact sport allows.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Wilkerson begins the paragraph by stating that the actions of her protagonists are universal, but she does not rest with that generalization.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker