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 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.
The main character of this story is a boy.
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.
She is the lead in this drama.
Loanword from English, used mainly in contexts like games, anime, or light novels. Sounds casual and modern.
You can customize the main character in this game.
The most important person in a real-life event, group, or movement.
Literally 'central person', used for the key figure in an organization, movement, or historical event.
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'.
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.
She is the main character of her own life.
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.