a compelling character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a compelling character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a character in a story, film, or any narrative that captures the audience's interest and evokes emotional engagement. Example: "The novel's success is largely due to its well-developed and compelling character, who faces numerous challenges throughout the plot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

A compelling character portrait.

The Guardian

Rousey has emerged as a compelling character at these Olympics.

The New York Times - Sports

Jay is a compelling character who coheres despite his contradictions.

The Guardian - Books

Rhodes is a compelling character in this baseball-crazed country.

The New York Times - Sports

Dido herself is a compelling character: passionate, articulate and every inch Aeneas's equal.

The Guardian

Even at its worst, The Walking Dead was a compelling character study.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Independent evidence for competition between species needs to be demonstrated to make a compelling case for ecological character displacement (criterion 4).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

But Ben created a very compelling character in a completely unique environment".

The New York Times

Her elegant authority is used to fine and sly effect in Neil LaBute's All the Ways to Say I Love You, elevating a mildly sensational monodrama into a reasonably compelling character study.

The Guardian

I am also looking forward to David Stockman's upcoming book on the financial crisis, because I met him at a party and thought he was a very compelling character.

The New York Times - Books

When he does get to lift a trophy again, it is unlikely to be because he's learned, via some instructive bolt of lightning, how to win finals; more that these flickering gains have been nourished into a wider process of refinement and team-building, confirmation of a genuinely compelling character at work.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When crafting a character, focus on their contradictions and complexities to make them more than just a simple archetype. This adds depth and makes the character more relatable and believable, turning them into "a compelling character".

Common error

Avoid making characters solely defined by common stereotypes. Instead, explore their unique backgrounds, motivations, and flaws to create a more nuanced and "compelling character".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a compelling character" functions primarily as a descriptive term, used to denote the quality of a character in a narrative. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and widely used. It highlights that a character is not only interesting but also captivating and engaging.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

2%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a compelling character" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that describes a character who is not only interesting but also captivating and engaging. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts, primarily in news media. The phrase serves to highlight that the character evokes emotional investment from the audience, making them believable and relatable. When writing, it's essential to focus on depth and complexity to create truly "compelling characters", avoiding over-reliance on common stereotypes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intriguing protagonist

Focuses on the character's role as the main figure in a narrative and their capacity to arouse curiosity.

a captivating figure

Emphasizes the character's ability to charm or hold someone's attention.

a fascinating individual

Highlights the character's unique qualities and the ability to pique interest.

a magnetic personality

Focuses on the character's charm and ability to attract others.

a remarkable persona

Stresses the character's exceptional qualities and outward presentation.

a dynamic character

Implies a character that undergoes significant change and development throughout the story.

a memorable creation

Highlights the character's lasting impression and how well they are crafted.

an unforgettable presence

Focuses on the character's strong impact and how they linger in one's memory.

a well-developed character

Emphasizes the depth and complexity of the character's background and motivations.

an interesting character

A broader term that indicates the character has qualities that make them worth paying attention to, without specifying why.

FAQs

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

You can use "a compelling character" to describe someone in a book, movie, or real life who is fascinating and holds your attention. For example, "The novel's protagonist is a "compelling character" whose struggles resonate with readers."

What are some alternatives to "a compelling character"?

You can use alternatives like "an intriguing protagonist", "a captivating figure", or "a fascinating individual" depending on the context.

What makes "a compelling character" different from just an "interesting character"?

"A compelling character" suggests a deeper engagement and investment from the audience, often due to the character's complexity, relatability, or the stakes involved in their story. An interesting character might simply be unique or curious, without necessarily evoking strong emotions or a sense of investment, whereas "a compelling character" usually has a greater emotional impact.

How do you create "a compelling character" in writing?

Creating "a compelling character" involves giving them depth, complexity, and relatability. This can be achieved through exploring their background, motivations, flaws, and inner conflicts. The character should have clear goals, obstacles, and a unique voice that makes them memorable.