hero

n.

1. One distinguished for action

   brave man, model, conqueror, victorious general, god, martyr, champion, paladin, ace, exemplar, prize athlete, master, man of distinguished valor, brave, warrior, demigod, saint, man of courage, man of mettle, lion, star, combatant, worthy, popular figure, great man, knight-errant, a man among men, man of the hour, man of the day, intrepid warrior, fearless soldier, dauntless flier, tin god*; see also celebrity 2, idol 2, victor.

2. Principal male character in a literary composition

   protagonist, male lead, gallant, main actor, tragedian, leading man, chief character, principal male character, antihero, matinee idol, heavy*, heavy lead*, Sir Galahad*, Romeo*; see also actor 1, cast 2, star 3.