a character that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a character that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a specific trait or quality of a character in a story, film, or other narrative forms. Example: "She is a character that embodies resilience and determination throughout the novel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This was a character that needed that.

The New York Times

"I preferred a character that was constantly unidentifiable," Shepard said.

The New Yorker

"He's a character that needs to be loved.

Independent

"He had a character that was bubbly," Marissa said.

The New York Times

"Eileen is a character that makes people uncomfortable.

The Guardian - Books

Creating a character that wasn't there before, creating an image.

The Guardian

"Godzilla is a character that is the pride of Japan".

The Guardian

I wanted to write a character that wasn't that".

The Guardian - Film

I've never aspired to play a character that was beautiful".

The Guardian - Film

I wanted to do a character that was inspired by him.

The New Yorker

Vodka is a blank slate; whiskey has a character that must be harmonized with.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a character that" to introduce a defining attribute or trait, ensuring the connection is clear and direct.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple "that" clauses, as it can make your writing convoluted. If you find yourself using "a character that that...", consider rephrasing for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a character that" functions as a relative clause introducer, specifying a particular attribute or quality of a character. As evidenced by Ludwig and supported by numerous examples, it serves to define or describe a character's defining traits.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

22%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a character that" is a versatile construction used to define and describe characters based on their key attributes. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, this phrase is commonly found in news, media, and wiki sources, indicating its broad applicability across different registers. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's important to consider context and clarity when using "a character that", ensuring that the sentence structure remains straightforward and easy to understand. The related phrases provided offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, adding flexibility to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a personality who

Replaces "character" with "personality", focusing on the individual's traits and behaviors.

an individual who

Substitutes "character" with "individual", highlighting a person's distinct existence.

a figure that

Replaces "character" with "figure", emphasizing the person's role or presence in a specific context.

a protagonist who

Specifies the "character" as the main actor in a narrative.

a role that

Focuses on the "character" in terms of function or part.

a persona that

Replaces "character" with "persona", emphasizing the public image or facade of the individual.

someone who

Simplifies the phrase to denote a person with certain attributes.

a person that

A more generic phrase to describe someone with specific qualities.

an entity that

Uses "entity" instead of "character", suitable when the subject is not necessarily human.

a being that

A more general term referring to any living thing.

FAQs

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

Use "a character that" to introduce a defining quality or trait of a character. For example, "She is "a character that" embodies resilience."

What are some alternatives to "a character that"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a persona that", "an individual who", or "a figure that".

Which is more appropriate, "a character that" or "a character who"?

While both are grammatically acceptable, "who" is generally preferred when referring to people or characters with human qualities. "That" is more commonly used for inanimate objects or abstract concepts. However, in this specific case, "that" is acceptable and commonly used.

Is there a difference in formality between "a character that" and "an individual who"?

"An individual who" might be perceived as slightly more formal than ""a character that"", but the difference is minimal. The best choice depends on the overall tone and style of your writing.