a bad character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bad character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has negative traits or engages in immoral or unethical behavior. Example: "Despite his charming demeanor, many people believe he has a bad character that is revealed in his actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Deepti Kapoor's A Bad Character (Cape) is in many ways the fictional counterpart of Rana Dasgupta's brilliant non-fiction portrait of Delhi, Capital (Canongate).

The Guardian - Books

I'm looking forward to sitting by the pool outside Siena reading two classy new Indian novels – Akhil Sharma's Family Life and Deepti Kapoor's A Bad Character, both of which have received tremendous acclaim.

The Guardian - Books

Annihilating desire laps at the edges of Deepti Kapoor's A Bad Character (Cape, £14.99), whose narrator, Idha, looks back on troubled first love from the distance of a decade.

The Guardian - Books

He doesn't even have a bad character.

The New Yorker

He vowed never to play a bad character.

The New York Times

In his fiction, a bad character is, often, an ugly, sweaty, smelly character.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

When Vulture asked him before the start of the fifth and final season to pick a "Breaking Bad" character best suited for a reality show -- and which one -- he said, "I'm not that up on my reality television.

Huffington Post

The latest outrage in the parental world has been set off after a mother in Florida came across a Breaking Bad character doll at Toys"R"Us.

Huffington Post

— Steve C., Hunt Valley, Md .A. There is the moral spectrum in "Fargo," and you see it in other Coen brothers movies, where you have a very good character on one end and a very bad character on the other.

The New York Times - Arts

A thoroughly bad character, Ellsworth nevertheless prompted widespread imitation.

The New York Times

"You have to understand, I have a very bad character," she said gaily.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add depth, show a bad character's motivations or backstory instead of just labeling them as "a bad character".

Common error

Avoid portraying "a bad character" with stereotypical traits only. Nuance their behavior to create more realistic and compelling depictions, transcending predictable villain archetypes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bad character" primarily functions as a noun phrase that serves as a subject complement or object within a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct. For instance, "He doesn't even have a bad character."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bad character" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe individuals with negative moral or ethical qualities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and commonly encountered in diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and general discussions. While "a bad character" serves effectively to label or categorize someone, avoid clichés and delve into the complexity of character motivations for enriched storytelling. When writing, consider synonymous alternatives like "a flawed personality" or "a morally bankrupt person" to refine the tone and meaning. Recognize its varying formality depending on the source, ranging from neutral in news to informal in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a flawed personality

Focuses on inherent personality traits rather than actions or reputation.

a corrupt individual

Emphasizes moral decay and dishonesty.

a morally bankrupt person

Highlights a complete absence of moral principles.

a dishonorable figure

Stresses the lack of honor and integrity.

an unethical person

Emphasizes a disregard for ethical standards.

a villainous sort

Implies malicious intent and wickedness.

a reprobate

Highlights moral depravity and lack of repentance.

an untrustworthy person

Focuses on the lack of reliability and honesty.

a scoundrel

Implies deceitful and unscrupulous behavior.

a rogue

Suggests a mischievous or dishonest nature.

FAQs

How can I use "a bad character" in a sentence?

You can use "a bad character" to describe someone who is dishonest, cruel, or generally unpleasant. For example, "The protagonist had to overcome the challenges presented by "a bad character" in the story".

What is a less judgmental way to say "a bad character"?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "a flawed individual", "a morally ambiguous person", or simply describe their negative actions without labeling them as "a bad character".

What are some synonyms for "a bad character"?

Synonyms include "a corrupt individual", "a dishonorable figure", or "an unethical person", each emphasizing different aspects of negative character traits.

Is it more effective to show rather than tell when depicting "a bad character"?

Yes, showing a character's actions and their consequences is generally more impactful than simply stating they are "a bad character". This allows the audience to form their own conclusions.