Definitions for "Player Character"
A game persona portrayed by a player. The PC acts independently and as the player desires. He/she is bound only by the game rules.
the character (or characters) in the game the player controls. The term 'avatar' (qv) is more commonly used these days.
(or player's character, abbreviated PC) literally, a character played by a player a character played by and identified with by either the GM or a player. contrasts with non-player character.
Keywords:  overlord, hippo, hungry, ceo, galactic
This answers the question "Who am I?" in the player's mind. Are they playing the role of a general, a prince, a knight, a merchant, the CEO, a race car driver, a hungry hippo, a galactic overlord...