deuteragonist

noun

deu·​ter·​ag·​o·​nist ˌdü-tə-ˈra-gə-nist 

 also  ˌdyü-

1

: the actor taking the part of second importance in a classical Greek drama

2

: a person who serves as a foil to another

Examples of deuteragonist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If the Tetons in the distance are the main character, then the common living space, with its curved ceilings and leather furniture—is the deuteragonist. —Lydia Mansel, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2024

In fact, nearly every single Resident Evil entry places a woman as either a protagonist, a deuteragonist, a crafty villain, or both in some instances. —Brittany Vincent, Wired, 7 May 2021

The three-minute video features the new deuteragonist, Spartan Locke, who’s going to be filling in for the Master Chief as the resident gun-with-a-camera-attached for parts of the game, which releases October 27. —Jake Muncy, WIRED, 1 Sep. 2015

Word History

Etymology

Greek deuteragōnistēs, from deuter- + agōnistēs combatant, actor — more at protagonist

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1