Character functions & dramatic roles · Core

Deuteragonist

Also called: secondary lead

ELI5

The second most prominent character in a story.

Used in conversation

“The deuteragonist needs to land without a long explanation.”

Definition

The second most prominent character in a narrative.

Here “Deuteragonist” means: The second most prominent character in a narrative.

Pitch context

You may encounter “Deuteragonist” in story, structure & screenplay conversations or materials.

Why it matters: Helps describe how a story works on the page and how its dramatic parts fit together.

Caution

This usage is established in practice but is not fully standardised. A domain specialist should review it before release as canon.

Connected terms

Sources & evidence · 4

Supporting source families. This entry is an editorial synthesis rather than a quotation from one canonical glossary.