leading role
Top billing position
A leading role is the principal or most prominent part in a play, film, or other performance—the character around whom the story centers.
The actor in a leading role typically has the most screen time and dialogue: She landed the leading role in the new thriller.
Figuratively, taking a leading role means being the primary driver of any effort or initiative.
Top-billed performer
- top billingPremiere credit position
- celebrityWidely recognized public figure
- iconPictorial screen symbol
- superstarExceptionally famous performer
marquee name · luminary · A-list · fame · recognition · breakout · typecast · vehicle
One admired for courage
- heroineBrave female protagonist
- main characterStory's central figure
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- narratorOne who tells events
sidekick · mentor · foil · archetype · underdog · character arc · motivation · journey
One who portrays characters
- actressFemale stage performer
- starLuminous astronomical object
- directorOne who leads
- screenplayFilm's written blueprint
cinematography · audition · script · blockbuster · premiere · studio · producer · casting
Performers, throw, or splint
- stageRaised performance platform
- directorOne who leads
- auditionTrial performance for selection
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
playwright · drama · monologue · spotlight · curtain · act · scene · performance
headliner
Top-billed performer
- top billingPremiere credit position
- celebrityWidely recognized public figure
- iconPictorial screen symbol
superstar · marquee name · luminary · A-list · fame · recognition · breakout · typecast · vehicle · star turn
hero
One admired for courage
- heroineBrave female protagonist
- main characterStory's central figure
- antagonistOne who opposes another
narrator · sidekick · mentor · foil · archetype · underdog · character arc · motivation · journey · transformation
actor
One who portrays characters
screenplay · cinematography · audition · script · blockbuster · premiere · studio · producer · casting · screen test
cast
Performers, throw, or splint
rehearsal · playwright · drama · monologue · spotlight · curtain · act · scene · performance · ensemble
pivotal
Vitally important, deciding
key · principal · chief · main · central · essential · crucial · paramount · preeminent · prominent
valor
Courage in danger
gallantry · noble · selfless · inspiring · daring · bold · legendary · epic · savior · guardian
- celebritiesmovie stars, A-lister, pop stars, superstar, celebrity
- showbizHollywood, Bollywood, Tinseltown, backstage, behind the scenes
- theatreBroadway, acting, theatre, stage, actor
- characterizationprotagonist, trait, antagonist, hero, villain
- leading rolesprotagonist, main character, hero, heroine, central character
- Women in Filmactress, film star, movie star, supporting actress, screenwriter
leading rolesupporting role
Minor character in production
minor role · bit part · extra · secondary role · background actor
lead, leader, role, leading, rolled, rolling, leadership, roller, unroll