Synonyms for

Protagonists

Verb / prəʊˈtægʌnʌsts / Another word for protagonists — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Protagonists are the main characters in a story or movie.

Synonyms & similar words

friend agonist protagonist champion admirer booster supporter heroes stars mainstays

Synonyms by register

Formal

principal leading figure central character main character

Informal

hero main guy star lead

Literary

heroic figure central figure prime mover

Antonyms

antagonist villain opponent enemy rival foe

Common collocations

  • main protagonists
  • key protagonists
  • female protagonists
  • male protagonists
  • protagonists of the story
  • protagonists in a novel
  • protagonists of the play

Word family

noun protagonist
adjective protagonistic

Usage note

The word 'protagonist' refers to the main character in a story. While often used interchangeably with 'hero', a protagonist can also be an anti-hero or even a villain depending on the narrative.

Example sentences

  1. The protagonists in the book were a group of brave kids.
  2. The protagonists in the movie were a detective and a criminal.
  3. The protagonists in the play were two sisters.
  4. The protagonists in the story had to save the world from an evil villain.
  5. The protagonists in the TV show were a family of aliens.

Quotes

  • The protagonist of the story was a brave knight on a quest to save a princess.
  • The movie's protagonists were two unlikely friends who bonded over a shared love of music.
  • The play's protagonists were two sisters who had to overcome their differences to save their family's farm.

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