Definition of role:

• the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group; " the function of a teacher"; " the government must do its part"; " play its role"
• what something is used for; " the function of an auger is to bore holes"; " ballet is beautiful but what use is it?"
• normal or customary activity of a person in a particular social setting; " what is your role on the team?"
• A part, or character, performed by an actor in a drama; hence, a part of function taken or assumed by any one; as, he has now taken the role of philanthropist.
• A part or character taken by an actor in a play; hence, a part or character taken, or assumed, by any one.
• The part performed by an actor in a play: any important part played in public life.
• A part taken by an actor.
• The part an actor performs the part one acts in life.
• A part or character in a play or other public performance.

Usage examples for role

1. The boy was not normal, had no normal life, and gave no indication of ever being likely to take a normal role in life.  The Short Life by Francis Donovan

2. The wonderful consistency and perseverance with which the role was sustained was worthy of a much better cause.  Castilian Days by John Hay

3. It was quite a new role for her, the role of Good Samaritan.  In the Wilderness by Robert Hichens

4. No, she laughed quietly; I am going to play the role of the audience to- night.  Other Things Being Equal by Emma Wolf