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Dictionary by pitch.dog
Character roles & hierarchy · Core

Lead character

Also called: lead, principal, leading role

ELI5

A character given principal story importance in a project.

Used in conversation

“The lead character should be visible in the examples, not just the overview.”

Definition

A character given principal narrative importance in a project.

Here “Lead character” means: A character given principal narrative importance in a project. Other meanings are stored as separate sense entries and must be chosen explicitly.

Pitch context

Use this when a deck or treatment needs to describe the people, world, tone or audience promise precisely.

Why it matters: Helps describe who the project follows, where it lives and what kind of experience it promises.

Connected terms

  • ProtagonistThe protagonist drives the central dramatic action; the lead character has primary screen or narrative prominence. They are often, not always, the same.
  • Co-leadComputed from definition language and shared taxonomy. This indicates proximity, not synonymy.
  • Supporting characterComputed from definition language and shared taxonomy. This indicates proximity, not synonymy.
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Sources & evidence · 6

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.