male lead
Principal actor's part
The male lead is the principal male character in a story, film, or play—the man at the center of the narrative.
In romantic contexts, he's typically the love interest: She's obsessed with the male lead in that K-drama.
The term distinguishes from female lead when both share protagonist status, and from supporting roles.
Also called leading man.
- protagonistStory's central figure
- heroOne admired for courage
- starLuminous astronomical object
- actorOne who portrays characters
- heartthrobObject of romantic admiration
romantic interest · love triangle · charisma · handsome · brooding · dashing · screenplay · audition · chemistry · casting · blockbuster · action hero · matinee idol · box office draw · role · performance · method acting · charming
- protagonistsprotagonist, hero, heroine, main character, title character
- balletballet, ballerina, ballet dancer, ballet shoes, tutus
- gender rolesgender roles, masculinity, femininity, gender stereotypes, traditional roles
male leadfemale lead
Chief woman in a story
leading lady · female protagonist · leading actress · heroine · prima donna
male leadsupporting actor
Non-lead role performer
bit player · minor character · extra · background actor · cameo
male leadfemale lead
Chief woman in a story
leading lady · antagonist · villain · love interest · ingenue
male, lead, males, maleness, leads, leader, leaders, leading, led