Directs and plays the chief part (5)
I believe the answer is:
leads
This clue could be a double definition.
'directs' is the first definition.
(direct can mean to lead someone somewhere)
'plays the chief part' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with creating things as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?
'and' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for leads that I've seen before include "Guides from the front" , "stars" , "Directs" , "Goes ahead" , "What Prime Minister does" .)