a comic character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a comic character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a character in a story, film, or play that is designed to be humorous or entertaining. Example: "In the latest animated film, the main protagonist is a comic character who always finds himself in ridiculous situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

He enjoyed modest success as a comic character actor.

Britannica

Andy was quite a comic character and strangely likeable.

The Guardian - Film

During this period he experimented with a comic character, the bewhiskered Willie Work.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Oddly, Samuel L. Jackson, as Flipper's crack-addicted brother, is something of a comic character.

The New York Times

He was quite a comic character, very excitable, but I was very fond of him.

The Guardian

The singer's task was thus to project a tragic rather than a comic character.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Goodman Beaver is a comics character created by American cartoonist Harvey Kurtzman.

Wikipedia

Thrud the Barbarian is a comics character created by Carl Critchlow in 1981.

Wikipedia

It's a wonderful comic character, a classic American archetype with a life all of his own, whose broken-hearted ballads combine beautiful music with brilliant, bittersweet lyrics.

The Guardian

Q2 (from Matt Underwood) Why might an energetic prankster drummer, a former UN diplomat and a Mighty comic character fear drowning in a dystopian author's favourite watering hole?

BBC

Presumably a sequel featuring a beloved comic character would have the potential to do really well.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character, specify the type of humor they employ. For instance, are they known for slapstick, witty banter, or observational comedy?

Common error

Be mindful of relying on tired tropes when creating "a comic character". Strive for originality in their humor and avoid offensive stereotypes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a comic character" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a specific type of character. Ludwig's examples show its usage in diverse contexts, consistently identifying individuals crafted for humor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a comic character" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a figure designed to be humorous. According to Ludwig, this phrase maintains its purpose across various contexts, including news articles, encyclopedias, and casual discussions. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for a wide range of writing styles. When using "a comic character", it's essential to avoid relying on stereotypes and strive for originality in their humor. Consider alternatives like "a humorous character" for more formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a humorous character

Replaces 'comic' with a direct synonym, focusing on the humor aspect.

a comedic persona

Substitutes 'character' with 'persona', emphasizing the outward presentation of humor.

a funny character

Uses a more informal synonym for 'comic', suitable for casual contexts.

a comical figure

Replaces 'character' with 'figure', giving a slightly more detached or abstract feel.

a lighthearted character

Emphasizes the cheerful and amusing nature of the character.

a whimsical character

Highlights the playful and fanciful aspects of the character.

a droll character

Focuses on a dry, understated sense of humor in the character.

a farcical character

Suggests a character involved in exaggeratedly humorous situations.

a satirical character

Highlights the use of humor to critique or mock aspects of society.

a burlesque character

Indicates a character that is a parody or imitation intended to cause laughter.

FAQs

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

You can use "a comic character" to describe a character whose primary function is to provide humor, such as, "The play featured "a comic character" whose antics kept the audience laughing."

What are some alternatives to "a comic character"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a humorous character", "a comedic persona", or "a funny character".

Is it appropriate to use "a comic character" in formal writing?

While "a comic character" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "a humorous character" or "a comical figure" in academic or professional contexts.

What distinguishes "a comic character" from other character types?

"A comic character" is specifically designed to elicit laughter and amusement, whereas other character types may serve different narrative purposes, such as providing drama or advancing the plot. A character can be both a protagonist and "a comic character".