German Conversation · Level 37
75 words
German word
Hauptfigur
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈhaʊ̯ptfiˌguːɐ̯/
Meaning
- feminine nounmain character
Example
In dem Film sind die Hauptfiguren sehr unterschiedlich.
The main characters in the film are very different.
More examples
Die Hauptfigur nimmt eine unerwartete Wendung.
The main character takes an unexpected turn.
Core concept
A story's central person, whose actions, fate, or development hold the narrative together.
Common phrases
die Hauptfigur einer Geschichte
the main character in a story
die Handlung aus Sicht der Hauptfigur
the plot from the main character's perspective
das Schicksal der Hauptfigur
the fate of the main character
Similar words
Protagonist: A main character deeply involved in moving the story forward.
Antagonist: An opposing character who works against the protagonist's aims.
Figur: Any person or entity that appears in a story.
Hauptperson: A person at the center of a story or event.
Definition in German
Die wichtigste oder hervorstechende Figur in einer Geschichte, oft die Person, deren Entwicklung oder Schicksal verfolgt wird.
Word origin
Hauptfigur is a compound of Germanic Haupt, meaning head or chief, and Figur, a borrowing from Latin figura meaning shape or figure.
Usage tips
- Hauptfigur is feminine, so its definite singular form is die Hauptfigur and its plural is die Hauptfiguren.
Other meanings
- leading characternoun
- central figurenoun
Opposites
- Nebenfigursupporting characternoun
Related words
- Figurpersonnoun
- figürlichfigurativeadjective