One word for "The original person who experienced an event"

Question

The person whom the story belongs to is not telling the story, but someone else is telling it on his behalf. In that case, what's one concise word or phrase to replaced the bold part above?

This story is recounted by another person on behalf of the original person that experienced this story.

This phrases is added before the actual story is recounted, so this is pretty much a reminder to the audience that the person they see telling the story is not the real guy. The best I can get to is "This story is recounted by someone else on behalf of the true protagonist," but that still sounds off.

GEdgar · Answer

There is this

eyewitness NOUN
A person who has personally seen something happen and so can give a first-hand description of it.
Lexico

HAL 9000 · Answer

Sounds like you are talking about a narrator in your question, but an eyewitness in your title.
narrator
noun
a person who narrates something, especially a character who recounts the events of a novel or narrative poem.
narrate
verb
give a spoken or written account of.
verb: narrate; 3rd person present: narrates; past tense: narrated; past participle: narrated; gerund or present participle: narrating

Stuart F · Answer

A participant is someone who's involved in an event, who participates or takes part. (Merriam-Webster) Lexico has many examples, including people taking part in politics, active members of organisations, people attending conferences or other events, and subjects in scientific studies.
If the person is not actively involved they might be a spectator "one who looks on or watches" (Merriam-Webster). Merriam-Webster also has experient: "a person undergoing an experience or having experience": this is more passive than participant but it wouldn't be limited to those who watch: it could include more direct experience.

One word for "The original person who experienced an event"

3 Answers

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question