main character
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main character
The central and most important person in a story, film, play, or novel. The plot mainly revolves around them.
Die Hauptfigur des Romans ist ein junger Detektiv, der einen mysteriösen Fall löst.
The main character of the novel is a young detective who solves a mysterious case.
This noun is made up of 'Haupt-' (most important, central) and 'Figur' (character, figure). So it literally refers to the 'most important character' in a narrative.
In vielen Märchen ist die Hauptfigur eine Prinzessin oder ein Prinz.
In many fairy tales, the main character is a princess or a prince.
The term 'Hauptfigur' (main character) is used almost exclusively in the context of media and art, that is, when talking about books, films, plays, series, or video games.
Die Zuschauer konnten sich gut mit der Hauptfigur des Films identifizieren.
The viewers could easily identify with the main character of the film.
Common verbs used with 'Hauptfigur' (main character) are 'die Hauptfigur spielen/darstellen' (to play/portray the main character), 'sich mit der Hauptfigur identifizieren' (to identify with the main character), or 'die Handlung dreht sich um die Hauptfigur' (the plot revolves around the main character).
Die ganze Geschichte dreht sich um die Entwicklung der Hauptfigur.
The whole story revolves around the development of the main character.
hero
Both words can refer to the central person in a story. „Die Hauptfigur“ is neutral and only says who the story revolves around, while „der Held“ additionally suggests a positive or admirable role. Use „Hauptfigur“ without passing judgment and „Held“ when the person appears good or brave.
Die Hauptfigur des Romans ist ein Junge, der seine Familie sucht.
The main character of the novel is a boy who is searching for his family.
Der mutige Junge ist der Held des Romans.
The brave boy is the hero of the novel.
