ADJ

lead, leading, starring, title
supporting
comic, tragic
cameo
film, television
TV

VERB + ROLE

perform, play, take
John's playing the leading role in this year's play
cast sb in
interpret
She interprets the role as more tragic than I expected

PREP

in the ~ (of)
He was very good in the role

ADJ

central, crucial, decisive, dominant, essential, fundamental, important, key, leading, major, pivotal, primary, prominent, significant, vital
minor, secondary, subordinate
constructive, full, positive, useful, valuable
active
passive
direct
clear
Every member of staff must have a clear role
traditional
changing
dual, twin
She has a dual role as principal and French teacher
conflicting
her conflicting roles as mother and manager of a large company
advisory, consultative, managerial, supervisory
maternal, parental
economic, educational, military, political, social, strategic
the economic role of small towns A cup of tea often serves an important social role
symbolic

VERB + ROLE

have, occupy, perform, play, serve
Regional managers occupy a crucial role in developing a strategic framework
provide (sb/sth with)
adopt, assume, take (on)
I've had to take on the role of mother in her absence
fulfil
He really wants to fulfil his role as godfather properly
cast sb in
He has been cast in the role of chief apologist for the government
find
We need to find a useful role for the volunteers in the campaign
define, redefine
a clearly defined role within the group
swap

ROLE + NOUN

model
reversal

PREP

in a/the ~
She has joined the team in a consultative role
~ as
the teacher's role as instructor
~ for
The new prime minister promised a greater role for women in government
~ in
Pressure groups played a major role in bringing about the reforms