Optical connector readily capable of connecting an optical fiber without damaging the optical fiber

An optical connector for use in connecting an optical fiber having a fiber axis and an axial end portion including a chamfered surface having a predetermined angle with respect to the fiber axis, the optical connector comprising:

• a first plug;
• a second plug;
• and
• an adapter interposed between the first and the second plugs to connect the first and second plugs to each other, the adapter comprising:
• an aligning member, which has a principal surface and side surfaces adjacent to the principal surface, and which comprises a fiber-receiving groove for receiving the axial end portion of the optical fiber, the fiber-receiving groove extending along the principal surface in a predetermined direction and having end portions each opening at one of the side surfaces;
• and
• a holding plate which is faced to the principal surface and covers the fiber-receiving groove, and which comprises a first slant surface adjacent to a first one of the end portions of the fiber-receiving groove, the first slant surface having a first angle with respect to the principal surface, the first angle being smaller than the predetermined angle.