主人公

• Pinyin: zhǔ rén gōng
• Hanzi breakdown: 主 = 丶 + 王 (main); 人 = person radical; 公 = 八 + 厶 (public, male)

Meaning

Protagonist; main character; hero/heroine of a story. The central figure in a narrative.

Refers to the central character in novels, films, plays, or real-life stories. Can also refer to someone who plays a central role in an event. Different from 主角, which is more often used for actors in a role.

Examples

1. 这部小说的主人公是一位女医生。 The protagonist of this novel is a female doctor.
2. 电影主人公的命运牵动着观众的心。 The main character’s fate in the movie keeps the audience on edge.
3. 他成为了这场改革的主人公。 He became the central figure in this reform.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, film, storytelling

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这部剧的主人公性格非常复杂。(The protagonist of this drama has a very complex personality.)
• 读者对主人公的遭遇深表同情。(Readers deeply sympathize with the protagonist's experiences.)

Don't Say

• 我是自己人生的主人公 — grammatically correct but 主角 sounds more natural here

Origin & History

主人 (master, owner) + 公 (male honorific, person)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal