main character

Meaning

This term refers to the protagonist or principal figure in a story, novel, movie, or play. In modern slang, it is also used to describe someone who behaves as if they are the center of attention or the hero of their own life.

Examples

• The main character in the novel goes on a journey to find her lost family.

  The main character in the novel goes on a journey to find her lost family.

• I couldn't really connect with the main character, so I stopped reading the book.

  I couldn't really connect with the main character, so I stopped reading the book.

• In many action movies, the main character survives impossible situations.

  In many action movies, the main character survives impossible situations.

• She dressed up as the main character from her favorite anime for the convention.

  She dressed up as the main character from her favorite anime for the convention.

• The writers decided to give the main character a more complex backstory in season two.

  The writers decided to give the main character a more complex backstory in season two.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He is the principal character of the movie.

  ✓ He is the main character of the movie.

  While 'principal' is grammatically correct, 'main character' or 'protagonist' is much more natural and common in everyday English.

• ✗ She plays the main character role.

  ✓ She plays the main character.

  'Main character' is already a noun phrase. You do not need to add the word 'role' after it; instead, you can say 'lead role' or simply 'main character'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Who is your favorite ___ in the Harry Potter series?

  💡 The central figure of the story.

  Show answer

  main character

• The story is told from the perspective of the ___.

  💡 The protagonist.

  Show answer

  main character