protagonist

The word protagonist has more than one definition which can be found in the dictionary. It is used notably in stories and forms of literature and culture that contain stories, which would include dramas, novels, operas and films. In those forms the definition may simply be the leading actor, or the principle character in the story. But in addition the word takes on more formalized definitions. For example, the protagonist, while still defined as a leading character, may be also defined as the character whose fate is most closely followed by the reader or audience, and who is opposed by a character known as the “antagonist”. The antagonist will provide obstacles and complications for the protagonist; the antagonist will create conflict, which will test the protagonist — thus revealing the strengths and weaknesses of his character.

Der Protagonist (von protagonistés „Haupt-“ oder „Erst-Handelnder“, aus prótos „der erste“ und ágo „ich handle, bewege, führe“) bezeichnet in der griechischen Tragödie den Darsteller der ersten Rolle (ggf. vor Deuteragonist und Tritagonist, das heißt zweite und dritte Hauptrolle). Der Gegenspieler eines Protagonisten wird als Antagonist (griech. antagonistés, wörtlich „der Gegenhandelnde“) bezeichnet.

Protagonist (van het Grieks protagonistes (πρωταγωνιστής); hij die de eerste rol speelt/hoofdacteur) is de aanduiding voor het personage waar het verhaal van een film, toneelstuk of boek om draait.

主人公（しゅじんこう）とは、フィクション作品（小説・映画・ドラマ・漫画・アニメ・ゲームなど）のストーリーの中心となり物語を牽引していく登場人物。