主人公|しゅじんこうshujinkou[2]nakadaka (mid-high)

1. nounprotagonist; main character; hero; heroine
   主人公しゅじんこうは、本ほんの最後さいごで死しんだ。↗

   The hero died at the end of the book.
2. nounhead (of a household); proprietor (of a store)

• Synonym主役しゅやくNeutralThe lead role in a performance (「舞台の主役」); it focuses on the part being played, while 「主人公」 centers on the story's central figure.
• SynonymヒーローNeutralA loanword for a hero or the male lead (「今日のヒーロー」); also used in sports.
• Antonym脇役わきやくNeutralA supporting role; the direct opposite of 「主人公」.
• Antonym敵役かたきやくNeutralThe villain's role (「悪の敵役」); not a true antonym of 「主人公」, since a villain can also be the story's protagonist.

For the central figure of a novel or film, use 「主人公」 (「物語の主人公」). Use 「主役」 for the lead in a performance and 「ヒーロー」 for a hero. 「脇役」 is a supporting role; 「敵役」 a villain, who may still be the protagonist.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 映画えいが・演劇えんげき・小説しょうせつなどの中心人物ちゅうしんじんぶつ。
2. 「主人しゅじん」の敬称けいしょう。