title role: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Literary, Dramatic
Quick answer
What does “title role” mean?
the character in a play, film, book, etc.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
the character in a play, film, book, etc., whose name is used as its title, or the part of that character.
The leading part or central character in a work of fiction or drama; a role of primary narrative importance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British theatre criticism, but standard in both varieties.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech, but standard in relevant professional/academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “title role” in a Sentence
to play the title role in + [production]to take on the title role of + [character]the title role is played by + [actor]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “title role” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She will title-role in the upcoming revival of 'Hedda Gabler'. (rare, informal)
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
N/A
Academic
Used in literary, film, and theatre studies to analyse narrative structure and character significance.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; used when discussing specific films, plays, or books.
Technical
Standard term in casting notices, performance reviews, and critical essays.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “title role”
- Using 'title role' for any leading role (must be where the character's name is the title). Confusing with 'lead role'. Using it for non-narrative works (e.g., 'the title role in a symphony').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A 'title role' is a specific type of lead role where the character's name is the title of the work (e.g., Hamlet, Cleopatra). A 'lead role' can be central but not name the work (e.g., Rick Blaine in 'Casablanca').
Yes, if the title features more than one name, e.g., 'Romeo and Juliet' or 'Thelma & Louise'. An actor can be said to play 'one of the title roles'.
They are synonyms. 'Eponymous' is more formal and literary, meaning 'giving one's name to something'. 'Title role' is the more common term in general theatre and film discourse.
Yes, if the work is named after that character. For example, the shark in 'Jaws', the car 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang', or the planet in 'Solaris' could be said to have the title role.
the character in a play, film, book, etc.
Title role is usually formal, literary, dramatic in register.
Title role: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪtl ˌrəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪtl ˌroʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “She is making her debut in the title role.”
- “He was born to play the title role.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: the TITLE of the work gives you the name of the ROLE.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE WORK IS IDENTIFIED BY ITS CENTRAL CHARACTER.
Practice
Quiz
In which situation is the phrase 'title role' used correctly?