deuteragonist

[doo-tuh-rag-uh-nist, dyoo-] /ˌdu təˈræg ə nɪst, ˌdyu-/

noun

(in ancient Greece) the actor next in importance to the protagonist.

Origin

1850-55; < Greek deuteragōnistḗs. See deuter-, agonist

British Dictionary definitions for deuteragonist

/ˌdjuːtəˈræɡənɪst/

noun

(in ancient Greek drama) the character next in importance to the protagonist, esp the antagonist

Word Origin

C19: from Greek deuteragōnistēs, from deutero- + agōnistēs contestant, actor