deuteragonist

[ doo-tuh-rag-uh-nist, dyoo- ]

noun

1. (in ancient Greece) the actor next in importance to the protagonist.

deuteragonist

/ ˌdjuːtəˈræɡənɪst /

noun

1. (in ancient Greek drama) the character next in importance to the protagonist, esp the antagonist

Word History and Origins

Origin of deuteragonist¹

From the Greek word deuteragōnistḗs, dating back to 1850–55. See deuter-, agonist

Word History and Origins

Origin of deuteragonist¹

C19: from Greek deuteragōnistēs, from deutero- + agōnistēs contestant, actor

Example Sentences

Ghostwire: Tokyo - Prelude, will introduce players to KK, the deuteragonist of Ghostwire, and his squad of spirit detectives as they investigate paranormal disturbances throughout Tokyo.

From The Verge

The phone belongs to Mr. Robot deuteragonist Darlene, who first chews you out for stealing it and then conscripts you into her hacker collective, while other characters unwittingly send you messages meant for her.

From The Verge

The upcoming DLC, Burial at Sea – the first part of which will be released for PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on 12 Novemeber – returns to the story-driven heart of the BioShock games, and relocates Infinite’s prot- and deuteragonist, Booker DeWitt and Elizabeth, to Rapture.

From Forbes

This could be a breakthrough in found-footage movies, similar to but not quite on a par with the moment in ancient Athens, when Aeschylus introduced a second character — the deuteragonist — to Greek tragedy, thus turning the theatrical art from monologue to dialogue.

From Time

In ‘Ico’, the player had to guide a helpless deuteragonist through a deadly castle, leading her by the hand.

From Forbes