Who is referred to as the plaintiff in a legal case?

In a legal case, the plaintiff is the party that initiates the lawsuit by filing a complaint or claim against another party. This individual or group seeks a legal remedy, which may include damages or specific performance. By filing the case, the plaintiff asserts that they have been wronged in some way and are seeking justice or compensation through the court system.

The role of the plaintiff is pivotal as they are responsible for proving their case in court against the defendant, who is the party being accused or sued. The plaintiff's actions set the legal proceedings in motion. In contrast to other terms in the options, such as the party appealing the case, the defendant, or the party who won at trial, only the plaintiff takes the initiative to start the legal process by making a formal claim. This distinction is foundational in understanding the dynamics of legal proceedings.