The noun role has 4 senses (first 4 from tagged texts)
1. (34) function, office, part, role -- (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")
2. (10) character, role, theatrical role, part, persona -- (an actor's portrayal of someone in a play; "she played the part of Desdemona")
3. (9) function, purpose, role, use -- (what something is used for; "the function of an auger is to bore holes"; "ballet is beautiful but what use is it?")
4. (6) role -- (normal or customary activity of a person in a particular social setting; "what is your role on the team?")