main character
/meɪn ˈkærəktər/
EN
The central or primary figure in a story, narrative, play, or other work of fiction that the plot primarily centers around.
The main character embarks on a cross-country journey to find their long-lost family.
Etymology
"Main" derives from Old English *mægen* meaning "strength, principal", while "character" comes from Greek *kharaktēr* via Middle French *caractère*, entering English with the meaning of a fictional personage by the 18th century. The combination "main character" emerged to describe a narrative's central figure in literary criticism by the 19th century.
Translations
简体中文
主角,主人公
繁體中文
主角,主人公
日本語
主人公,メインキャラクター
한국어
주인공,주요 인물
Deutsch
Hauptfigur,Hauptcharakter
Español
personaje principal,protagonista
Português
personagem principal,protagonista
Français
personnage principal,protagoniste
Tiếng Việt
nhân vật chính,nhân vật chủ chốt
Related Words
protagonistantagonistlead rolenarratorsupporting character