In the Christmas story, Mary played a crucial role. She was the virgin who gave birth to Jesus. She was chosen by God to carry and give birth to the Son of God. Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, also had a significant part. When Mary visited her, Elizabeth recognized the significance of Mary's pregnancy even before the baby was born. And there were also the women who might have been present at the manger, though not much is specifically said about them in great detail, but they could have been there to help Mary and Joseph during and after the birth.
Well, Mary is the central female figure in the Christmas story. She was a young woman who showed great faith and obedience when she accepted the news from the angel that she would bear a child, Jesus. Another important woman was Elizabeth. Her pregnancy with John the Baptist was a sign of the coming of Jesus. Mary went to visit her, and it was a moment of great joy and recognition between the two women. There were also likely other women in the background, perhaps local women in Bethlehem who might have provided some support to Mary and Joseph during that time, like offering a place to stay or some food for the new mother and baby.
The women in the Exodus story played important roles. For example, Miriam was a prophetess. She led the women in song and dance after the crossing of the Red Sea, which was a significant moment of celebration and praise.
In the Passover story, women played important roles. For example, they were often the ones preparing the Passover meal. They made sure all the necessary elements were in place, like the unleavened bread. Their role in the home was crucial for the proper observance of Passover.
In the Easter story, women played important roles. For example, the women were the first to discover the empty tomb. Their presence shows that they were witnesses to the miraculous event of the resurrection.
King Herod's role was to be the persecutor. His order to kill the infants in Bethlehem was an act of extreme violence. He was the worldly power that tried to oppose the coming of the Messiah.
Mary had the most important role as the vessel through which Jesus entered the world. She was pure and obedient. Joseph, being a just man, took Mary as his wife and ensured their safety. Jesus, being God in human form, was the savior. The shepherds were like the first to be informed by the angels, and they went to see the new - born king, thus starting the spread of the news. The wise men, with their knowledge and resources, traveled far to pay homage to Jesus, which also showed his significance on a wider scale.
Well, to know exactly what Melinda Dillon did in 'A New Christmas Story', one would have to watch the movie carefully. Maybe she played a motherly figure or a neighbor. It depends on how the story was crafted. She might have been part of the heartwarming moments that are typical in a Christmas story, like helping with the Christmas preparations or sharing some important life lessons.
Ralphie has mainly been known for his role in 'A Christmas Story'. Not many other significant roles are widely recognized.
Honestly, I don't know off the top of my head. But you could try looking on IMDB or similar movie databases for a complete list of the actor's roles.
Women can play various roles such as the protagonist, antagonist, or supporting characters, depending on the story's plot and genre.
In many Christmas stories, reindeer play a very important role. They pull Santa's sleigh, helping him deliver presents all over the world. And donkeys are often associated with the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.