1. a person engaged in a struggle or contest; a combatant or competitor
Usage: literary or formal; often used in titles or to denote a protagonist in conflict
2. in ancient Greek drama, a principal character or protagonist
Usage: classical; historical

Examples

• Milton's 'Samson Agonistes' portrays the biblical hero as a tragic agonistes.
• The agonistes in the play struggles against both external enemies and internal doubt.
• Ancient Greek playwrights developed the role of the agonistes as the central figure in dramatic conflict.
• She emerged as the agonistes in the political debate, defending her position with conviction.
• The novel's agonistes faces a series of moral dilemmas that test his character.