Redeeming character

USAGE SUMMARY

"redeeming character" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a quality that is seen as good and helps to offset the negative aspects of a person's traits or situation. For example: Despite his numerous flaws, his redeeming character is what makes him so special.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

There's not a single redeeming character, not a single person with respect.

The New Yorker

This book is announced as the first of a trilogy of Simon Serrailler novels, and yet the man himself hardly features other than as a foil for a succession of other characters, including the love interest for the female detective sergeant around whom the whole book is built, and who quickly comes across as its one original and redeeming character.

The Guardian - Books

Gogol was deeply fucked-up from writing Dead Souls, which is one of those rare works of lit in which there is not a single redeeming character.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I don't know where the whole notion of redeeming characters comes from.

Wikipedia

Having abandoned the United States, they not only were of no use in redeeming "the character of the race"; they had failed to earn the "passport" to citizenship that Nell believed patriot service conferred.

The New Yorker

While he didn't have the most flattering debut, Dermot Mulroney's Russell ended up redeeming his character by the end of this week's installment of "New Girl" (Tue., 9 p.m. ET on Fox).

Huffington Post

There are no redeeming main characters on "House of Cards".

The New York Times - Arts

Jenny is left in limbo, a strange space, considering film usually insists on redeeming its characters in 90 minutes or less.

Huffington Post

She is going to have to accept that there's a completely different path to... not redemption, because there is no redemption, but redeeming these characters together that is not necessarily going to involve forgiveness".

Huffington Post

"Ride Me to Hell" received a positive review from Ology's Josh Harrison, who commented that it "successfully redeemed" the character Grimes, who was his least-favorite character up until this episode.

Wikipedia

Douglas Murray's rehabilitation of his subject is a brave attempt to redeem a character immured in the calumny of legend.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing characters in literature or film, use "redeeming character" to pinpoint specific traits that make an otherwise flawed figure sympathetic or understandable.

Common error

Avoid using "redeeming character" as a catch-all term without delving into the specific nature and impact of the trait. Provide concrete examples of how the character's actions or qualities contribute to their redemption or moral complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "redeeming character" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object, describing a character's quality that mitigates their flaws. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "redeeming character" is a noun phrase used to describe a quality that mitigates a character's flaws. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in English, and it's found most commonly in news and media, according to Ludwig. Expert analysis suggests its usage is appropriate for analytical discussions about literary or film characters, as it serves to spotlight positive traits offsetting negative ones. While alternatives such as "saving grace" or "positive attribute" exist, "redeeming character" specifically focuses on the offsetting nature of the quality. Therefore, it's important to use the phrase with examples, to prevent a simplistic analyses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Character with redeeming qualities

Adds the context of character to the original phrase, to make it clearer.

Saving grace

Emphasizes the one positive aspect that prevents the character from being entirely negative.

Offsetting quality

Implies that the character might not be totally morally good, but the redeeming quality helps to offset some of the character's bad traits.

Virtuous quality

Highlights a specific moral strength or virtue.

Morally improving attribute

Highlights that the quality is helping the character to improve morally.

Positive attribute

Focuses on a general good quality, without necessarily implying redemption.

Good side

Implies there are both good and bad aspects to the character, but focuses on the positive ones.

Recovering morality

Highlights the positive moral change in the character.

Expiating trait

Focuses on the trait that is paying for the bad behaviour of the character.

Atone for sins

Changes the focus to a verb, but with a similar meaning.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "redeeming character" in literary analysis?

When analyzing a character, identify a specific trait or action that offsets negative qualities. Explain how this trait impacts the narrative or other "characters" within the story.

What are some alternatives to "redeeming character"?

Consider using alternatives like "saving grace", "positive attribute", or "virtuous quality" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

In what contexts is "redeeming character" most appropriately used?

This phrase is suitable in discussions about literature, film, or real-life scenarios where individuals exhibit a mix of positive and negative traits. It's most relevant when focusing on a trait that provides moral complexity or allows for empathy.

Is it accurate to say a villain has a "redeeming character"?

Yes, it is appropriate if the villain possesses a quality that evokes sympathy, justifies their actions to some extent, or allows for the possibility of their moral rehabilitation. This doesn't excuse their villainy, but it adds depth.