role

 
Pronunciation: /rəʊl/
(also rôle)

noun

  • an actor’s part in a play, film, etc.: Dietrich’s role as a wife in war-torn Paris
  • the function assumed or part played by a person or thing in a particular situation: the equipment will play a vital role in the fight against cancer

Origin:

early 17th century: from obsolete French roule 'roll', referring originally to the roll of paper on which the actor's part was written

Do not confuse role with roll. Role means 'a part played by an actor' ( he was known for TV roles), whereas roll mainly means 'move by turning over and over' or 'a rolling movement' ( a roll of the dice).