Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Role \R[^o]le\, n. [F. See {Roll}.]
   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 r[^o]le of philanthropist.

   {Title r[^o]le}, the part, or character, which gives the
      title to a play, as the part of Hamlet in the play of that
      name.

Source : WordNet®

role
     n 1: 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" [syn: {function}, {office}, {part}]
     2: an actor's portrayal of someone in a play; "she played the
        part of Desdemona" [syn: {character}, {theatrical role}, {part},
         {persona}]
     3: what something is used for; "the function of an auger is to
        bore holes"; "ballet is beautiful but what use is it?"
        [syn: {function}, {purpose}, {use}]
     4: normal or customary activity of a person in a particular
        social setting; "what is your role on the team?"