a brilliant character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brilliant character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is exceptionally intelligent, clever, or has a remarkable personality. Example: "In the novel, the protagonist is portrayed as a brilliant character who always finds innovative solutions to complex problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

I've always thought he's a brilliant character.

The Guardian - Tech

A brilliant character, and a brilliant performance from Joe Wilkinson.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Bryn is a brilliant character, but Rob is brilliant at being him.

Independent

Which comes first, a great plot idea or a brilliant character?

The Guardian

He is a brilliant character to be around – you need those in the dressing room".

The Guardian - Sport

It's a brilliant character study that brings in ethical questions around the relationship between the Germans and the Guernsey residents.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"Laura Palfrey," writes Elizabeth Taylor, in a brilliant, character-defining sentence at the opening of her masterpiece, "would have made a distinguished-looking man and, sometimes, wearing evening dress, looked like some famous general in drag".

The Guardian - Books

T. Ramakrishnan of The Hindu called Saroja Devi's character a "brilliant role".

Wikipedia

What a brilliant, brilliant character to base a play on.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Jaxon Hall is an especially brilliant character.

The Guardian

"He was such an elusive, brilliant character," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brilliant character" to highlight a character's intelligence, skill, or particularly engaging personality within a narrative or real-life context.

Common error

Avoid using "a brilliant character" to describe characters that lack depth or complexity. Reserve it for those whose actions and motivations genuinely demonstrate exceptional qualities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brilliant character" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It characterizes a person or figure, emphasizing their exceptional qualities. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a valid and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a brilliant character" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe someone with exceptional intelligence, skill, or a remarkable personality. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a valid expression applicable in both formal and informal settings, particularly within News & Media. While alternatives like "a remarkable character" or "an exceptional character" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure the described character genuinely embodies the qualities of brilliance to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remarkable character

Emphasizes the character's noteworthiness or unusual qualities.

an exceptional character

Highlights the character's deviation from the norm in a positive way.

a superb character

Focuses on the high quality and skill embodied by the character.

a fantastic character

Emphasizes the imaginative or extraordinary nature of the character.

a wonderful character

Highlights the positive and delightful aspects of the character.

a great character

A more general term that indicates the character is highly enjoyable or significant.

a complex character

Emphasizes the character's intricate and multi-layered personality.

a memorable character

Highlights the character's ability to leave a lasting impression.

a well-developed character

Focuses on the thoroughness and depth of the character's construction.

an intriguing character

Emphasizes the character's mysterious or fascinating qualities.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brilliant character" to describe someone intelligent, clever, or possessing a remarkable personality. For example: "Sherlock Holmes is "a brilliant character" known for his deductive reasoning."

What are some alternatives to "a brilliant character"?

Alternatives include "a remarkable character", "an exceptional character", or "a superb character". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it subjective to describe someone as "a brilliant character"?

Yes, describing someone as "a brilliant character" often involves a degree of subjectivity, as brilliance can be interpreted differently based on individual perspectives and criteria. However, providing examples of their actions or traits can support the claim.

How does "a brilliant character" differ from "a well-developed character"?

"A brilliant character" emphasizes exceptional intelligence or personality traits, while "a well-developed character" focuses on the depth and complexity of their backstory, motivations, and relationships. A character can be both.