spear-carrier
Onstage but silent
A spear-carrier is a minor actor with no speaking lines—someone who stands in the background holding a spear while principals perform.
The term extends to anyone in a subordinate, insignificant role: He's tired of being a spear-carrier in someone else's project.
The implication is visibility without influence.
Additional, beyond necessary
- bit playerMinor role performer
- walk-onSmall nonspeaking role
- supernumeraryExceeding required number
- background actorNonspeaking performer in scenes
chorus member · ensemble · crowd scene · attendant · retinue · courtier · theatrical tradition · classical drama
Small part in production
- subordinateOne lower in rank
- underlingPerson of lower rank
- small fryChildren or insignificant people
- nobodyInconsequential person
second fiddle · supporting role · bit part · inconsequential · overlooked · anonymous · faceless · interchangeable
extra
Additional, beyond necessary
- bit playerMinor role performer
- walk-onSmall nonspeaking role
- supernumeraryExceeding required number
background actor · chorus member · ensemble · crowd scene · attendant · retinue · courtier · theatrical tradition · classical drama · repertory
minor role
Small part in production
- subordinateOne lower in rank
- underlingPerson of lower rank
- small fryChildren or insignificant people
nobody · second fiddle · supporting role · bit part · inconsequential · overlooked · anonymous · faceless · interchangeable · disposable
spear-carrierlead
Dense metal, symbol Pb
star · protagonist · leading man · leading lady · principal
spear-carrierleader
One who guides others
chief · head · principal · key player · decision-maker
spear, carrier, spears, speared, spearing, carry, carries, carried, carrying