Protagonist Meaning
/pɹəˈtæɡ.ə.nɪst/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe main character, or one of the main characters, in any story, such as a literary work or drama.
nounA leading person in a contest; a principal performer.
Sentence Examples
However the protagonist is aware of his own mistakes.
A protagonist as plain and ordinary as him is rare indeed.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The story follows the ____, a brave hero who fights against evil forces.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ of the novel is a young woman who must choose between loyalty to her family and her own freedom.
Word Origin & History
From Ancient Greek πρωταγωνιστής (prōtagōnistḗs, “a chief actor”), from πρῶτος (prôtos, “first”) + ἀγωνιστής (agōnistḗs, “a combatant, pleader, actor”). By surface analysis, prot- (“first”) + agonist (“combatant, participant”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"It was toward the end of the sixteenth century that the communities in Venice, Mantua, Ferrara, Padua, and Casale Monferrato, inspired by the Renaissance music, wanted to introduce some modernization into the service. The greatest protagonist of the idea was the encyclopedic Jewish scholar Leon of Modena."
— 1929, Abraham Zevi Idelsohn, Jewish Music: Its Historical Development, page 198:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The story follows the ____, a brave hero who fights against evil forces.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ of the novel is a young woman who must choose between loyalty to her family and her own freedom.