登場人物

• Reading: とうじょうじんぶつ
• Romaji: toujoujinbutsu
• Kanji breakdown: 登 (tou) — climb, ascend; 場 (jou) — place, stage; 人 (jin) — person; 物 (butsu) — thing
• Pronunciation: /toː.dʑoː.dʑiɴ.bɯ.tsɯ/

Meaning

A character in a story; the people who appear in a play, novel, film, or other narrative.

A compound noun combining 登場 (appearance on stage) with 人物 (person/figure). Used in literary analysis, film reviews, and everyday conversations about stories. 主な登場人物 means 'main characters.' In formal literary contexts, the Latin term ドラマティス・ペルソナエ (dramatis personae) exists but is rarely used; 登場人物 is the standard term at all levels.

Examples

1. この小説の登場人物はみんな個性的で面白い。 All the characters in this novel are unique and interesting.
2. 映画の登場人物に感情移入してしまった。 I found myself emotionally invested in the characters in the movie.
3. 物語の登場人物を紹介するページが最初にある。 There is a page at the beginning introducing the characters in the story.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, film, education, media

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 登場 (toujou, to appear on stage; from 登 'climb' + 場 'place/stage') + 人物 (jinbutsu, person/figure; from 人 'person' + 物 'thing'). Literally 'persons who appear on stage.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal