Spanish word

protagonista

Pronunciation

IPA/pɾotaɣoˈnista/

Meaning

  • noun (m./f.)main character

Example

En la película, la protagonista toma una decisión difícil.

In the movie, the main character makes a difficult decision.

Illustration for protagonista (main character)

More examples

En la obra de teatro, la protagonista recibe una ovación.

In the play, the protagonist receives an ovation.

Core concept

Person at the center of a plot or event.

Common phrases

  • ser la protagonista

    be the protagonist

  • la protagonista principal

    the main protagonist

  • la protagonista de la historia

    the protagonist of the story

Similar words

personaje: Figure appearing in a story or play, occupying a role in the plot.
actor: Person who performs a role on stage or in film, portraying characters.
héroe: Figure celebrated for brave deeds or moral goodness within a story.
estrella: Widely known, popular performer who draws public attention and admiration.

Definition in Spanish

Persona principal de una historia, película o acontecimiento, cuyo papel atrae la atención y marca el desarrollo de la acción.

Word origin

Formed from Greek proto- 'first' plus agōnistēs 'fighter or contestant', entering Spanish through Romance languages to mean the principal actor in a narrative.

Usage tips

  • The noun keeps a single form for both sexes (el/la protagonista), so indicate gender with the article or adjective rather than changing the noun.

Other meanings

  • lead rolenoun
  • central figurenoun

Opposites

  • antagonistaantagonistnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word