tritagonist
Third-billed dramatic role
A tritagonist is the third most important character in a drama, after the protagonist and deuteragonist.
The term comes from ancient Greek theater, where a third actor was added to expand dramatic possibilities.
In modern usage, it describes a significant supporting character who influences the plot but remains subordinate to the two leads: The tritagonist's betrayal sets the final act in motion.
Bearing or sustaining
- sidekickSubordinate adventure partner
- allySupportive partner
- confidantTrusted keeper of secrets
- foilDefeat a plan
mentor · companion · rival · hero · villain · guide · helper · obstacle
Position number three
- tertiaryOf third importance
- supportingBearing or sustaining
- secondaryLesser in rank
- minorScale with lowered third
subordinate · peripheral · ancillary · ranking · prominence · billing · importance · featured
Theatrical art or turmoil
- stageRaised performance platform
- chorusSingers performing together
- ensembleUnified group or outfit
- castPerformers, throw, or splint
Sophocles · Aeschylus · Euripides · mask · performance · role · actor · playwright
Subordinate narrative strand
- arcCurved line segment
- storylineSequence of fictional events
- backstoryCharacter's past narrative
- developmentProgress toward maturity
motivation · conflict · resolution · climax · revelation · sacrifice · redemption · growth
supporting
Bearing or sustaining
foil · mentor · companion · rival · hero · villain · guide · helper · obstacle · catalyst
third
Position number three
- tertiaryOf third importance
- supportingBearing or sustaining
- secondaryLesser in rank
minor · subordinate · peripheral · ancillary · ranking · prominence · billing · importance · featured · background
drama
Theatrical art or turmoil
cast · Sophocles · Aeschylus · Euripides · mask · performance · role · actor · playwright · classical
subplot
Subordinate narrative strand
development · motivation · conflict · resolution · climax · revelation · sacrifice · redemption · growth · transformation
tritagonistprotagonist
Story's central figure
lead · main character · hero · central figure · star
tritagonistdeuteragonist
Second most central character
antagonist · protagonist · villain · nemesis · foil
agony, antagonist, protagonist, antagonism, antagonistic, agonist, antagonists, protagonists, protagonism