Protagonism
/prəˈtæɡənɪzəm/noun
The state or condition of being a protagonist or main character in a narrative.
Did you know?In ancient Greek theater, the 'protagonist' was not just the main character, but often the one who faced the greatest moral dilemmas, embodying humanity's struggles.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
πρωταγωνιστής (prōtagōnistēs)
“The first actor or main character in a drama.”
Latin
Latin
protagonista
“The leading actor or chief character in a play.”
16th Century
Middle French
protagoniste
“A term borrowed to describe the principal character in literary works.”
Modern English
English
protagonism
“The condition of being a protagonist; central role in narratives.”
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