deuteragonist

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

noun

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

Origin of deuteragonist

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

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Examples from the Web for deuteragonist

Historical Examples of deuteragonist

The balance of the story is preserved by a sort of deuteragonist called the waki, who may also have his tsure.
Plays of Old Japan
Marie C. Stopes

British Dictionary definitions for deuteragonist

deuteragonist

noun

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

Word Origin for deuteragonist

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012