Translation guide
The most important person in a story, film, game, etc. In Japanese, the most common term is 主人公 (shujinkō), but other words are used depending on context, such as the central figure in a real event or the lead role in a performance.
The central character in a fictional narrative.
The most important person in a real-life event, group, or movement.
主人公 (shujinkō) refers to the character in a story, while 主役 (shuyaku) refers to the leading role or actor. In a film, the 主人公 is the character, and the 主役 is the actor playing that character. However, in casual conversation, 主役 can also mean the main character or central figure.
The phrase 'メインキャラクター' is a loanword and may sound unnatural in formal or literary contexts. Stick to 主人公 for most narrative contexts.
The standard word for the main character in a story, novel, movie, game, etc. It can also be used metaphorically for a central figure in a real-life event.
この物語の主人公は少年です。
The main character of this story is a boy.
彼はまるで映画の主人公みたいだ。
He's just like the main character in a movie.
Refers to the leading role or star in a play, film, or performance. Emphasizes the actor's role rather than the character itself.
彼女がこのドラマの主役です。
She is the lead in this drama.
Loanword from English, used mainly in contexts like games, anime, or light novels. Sounds casual and modern.
このゲームのメインキャラクターはカスタマイズできる。
You can customize the main character in this game.
Literally 'central person', used for the key figure in an organization, movement, or historical event.
彼はその改革の中心人物だった。
He was the main figure in that reform.
Can be used metaphorically for the leading figure in a real-life event, similar to 'star' or 'lead'.
今日のパーティーの主役は彼だ。
He's the main attraction at today's party.
Sometimes used metaphorically for a person who is the central figure in a real-life drama or event, but it carries a narrative connotation.
彼女は自分の人生の主人公だ。
She is the main character of her own life.