A starring role is a pivotal part of a story or film that involves the central character or characters. Such roles are often integral to the plot and require a level of skill and expertise from actors or performers. Synonyms for the term "starring role" include lead role, main role, principal role, prominent role, and protagonist. These terms have similar meanings and are used interchangeably to describe the essential character or characters that drive the story. A strong performance in a starring role can make or break the success of a production, and many actors aspire to achieve this level of recognition and acclaim in their careers.