Metaphor for roles (4)
I believe the answer is:
hats
'metaphor for roles' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for hats that I've seen before include "Milliner's stock" , "Headdresses" , "Headgear" , ""Porkpie" and "pillbox" attire" , "Headwear" .)