Pro*tag"o*nist (?), n. [Gr. &?;; prw^tos first + &?; an actor, combatant, fr. &?; a contest.] One who takes the leading part in a drama; hence, one who takes lead in some great scene, enterprise, conflict, or the like.

Shakespeare, the protagonist on the great of modern poetry.

• The main character in a literary work or drama.