portray the hero
/pɔːrˈtreɪ ðə ˈhɪəroʊ/
Meaning
This phrase means to act as the protagonist, main champion, or 'good guy' in a dramatic work. It involves representing a character who exhibits brave, noble, or morally upright qualities. It is widely used in discussions about casting, acting performances, and literary analysis.
Examples
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The young actor was chosen to portray the hero because of his charming and trustworthy screen presence.
The young actor was chosen to portray the hero because of his charming and trustworthy screen presence.
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While he usually plays supporting roles, this film gives him the opportunity to portray the hero.
While he usually plays supporting roles, this film gives him the opportunity to portray the hero.
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To successfully portray the hero, she had to undergo intense physical training for the action scenes.
To successfully portray the hero, she had to undergo intense physical training for the action scenes.
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The script requires an actor who can portray the hero as deeply flawed but ultimately good.
The script requires an actor who can portray the hero as deeply flawed but ultimately good.
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He has spent his entire career playing antagonists, so he found it refreshing to finally portray the hero.
He has spent his entire career playing antagonists, so he found it refreshing to finally portray the hero.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He was hired to portray of the hero.
✓ He was hired to portray the hero.
Do not use the preposition 'of' after 'portray'. The verb directly connects to the noun phrase.
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✗ She wants to draw the hero in the new theater play.
✓ She wants to portray the hero in the new theater play.
While 'portray' can sometimes mean to depict in art, using 'draw' to mean acting a role is a literal translation error from other languages. Use 'portray' or 'play'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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He was cast to ___ in the fantasy epic, saving the kingdom from destruction.
💡 act the part of the main good character
Show answer
portray the hero
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It takes a charismatic actor to ___ and keep the audience rooting for them.
💡 play the protagonist
Show answer
portray the hero