protagonist

Meanings

1. The main character, or one of the main characters, in any story, such as a literary work or drama.
2. A leading person in a contest; a principal performer.
3. An advocate or champion of a cause or course of action.

Etymology

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”).