1.
protagonist, main character
The central character in a story, novel, film, game, or other narrative. Can also refer figuratively to the central person in a real-life situation.
この物語の主人公は少女だ。
The protagonist of this story is a girl.
主人公に感情移入してしまった。
I ended up emotionally identifying with the main character.
あの映画の主人公は最後に大きな決断をする。
The protagonist of that film makes a big decision at the end.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 主人公を演じる (to play the lead role)
- 物語の主人公 (the protagonist of a story)
- 主人公に感情移入する (to identify with the main character)
USAGE: 主人公 is the standard literary and conversational term for the lead character of any narrative. It is used for novels, manga, anime, films, and games alike. In figurative use, 人生の主人公 means "the protagonist of one's own life."