a complex cast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complex cast" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of characters or individuals in a story, film, or play that have intricate relationships or multifaceted personalities. Example: "The film features a complex cast, each character bringing their own unique struggles and motivations to the narrative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A complex cast of characters.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Literally hundreds of thousands of tiny gold beads, each cast individually, have been found in the sands of La Tolita; and others, slightly larger, with granulated surfaces indicating the mastery of a complex casting process, have also been recovered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1998 our reviewer, Erik Burns, admired the "many-layered narrative, in which a suitably complex cast of characters plays a dangerous game with fate".

The New York Times - Books

Produced by small assemblies (or nuclei) of neurons deep in the brain stem, these molecules are projected throughout the brain to regulate the excitability and plasticity of broad neural networks via a fiendishly complex cast of receptor types.

eLife

The new complex, Cast, which includes a 600-seat auditorium, a studio, dance and drama workshops has risen on the site of a derelict college car park at the heart of a £300 million development.

Independent

The House at Riverton is set in World War I-era England and features a complex, fascinating cast of characters--with not just one, but multiple revelations at the end of the twisty tale.

Huffington Post

Although not connected to the above-mentioned clusters, a protein cluster containing components of the translocase inner membrane complex (CAST cluster 13) associated with carrier proteins (CAST cluster 94), was retrieved as well.

BMC Genomics

Die casting is a very cost efficient method to manufacture near net-shaped and complex cast products.

International Journal of Fatigue

They mainly consisted of focal areas of protein/carbohydrate complex cast formations in the distal tubules and early tubular nephrosis (data not shown).

Plosone

A computer code was developed to simulate radiograph of complex casting products in a CAVETM-like environment.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms

Those that survive, in collections from Windsor to Madrid, range from studies of equine proportion to designs for complex casting machinery.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing characters in a story, use "a complex cast" to indicate that they have intricate relationships, motivations, or backstories, adding depth to the narrative. For example: "The novel features a complex cast, each with their own secrets and desires."

Common error

Avoid using "a complex cast" when referring to a large number of characters without significant depth or intricate relationships. Ensure that the characters genuinely exhibit complexity in their personalities or interactions, rather than simply being numerous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complex cast" functions as a noun phrase, where "complex" modifies the noun "cast." It typically serves as a subject complement or object, describing the characteristics of the cast. As Ludwig AI points out, it describes a set of characters with intricate relations or multifaceted personalities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a complex cast" is a noun phrase used to describe a group of characters or individuals with intricate relationships or multifaceted personalities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and usable in written English. While the phrase isn't extremely common, appearing with "Uncommon" frequency, it's present across various contexts, most notably in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. Ludwig AI suggests that alternatives like "an intricate ensemble" or "a multifaceted group of characters" can be used depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. When employing this phrase, it's best to ensure that the characters genuinely exhibit depth in their personalities or interactions to avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intricate ensemble

Replaces "complex" with "intricate" and "cast" with "ensemble", emphasizing the detailed and elaborate nature of the group.

a multifaceted group of characters

Substitutes "complex" with "multifaceted", highlighting the many aspects of the characters involved.

a complicated set of players

Uses "complicated" instead of "complex" and "players" instead of "cast", focusing on the intricacy and the participants.

an elaborate array of individuals

Replaces "complex" with "elaborate" and "cast" with "array", indicating a detailed and varied collection of individuals.

a sophisticated collection of roles

Employs "sophisticated" instead of "complex" and "roles" instead of "cast", suggesting a refined and intricate set of characters.

a nuanced grouping of personalities

Substitutes "complex" with "nuanced", emphasizing the subtle differences in personalities.

a layered team of actors

Replaces "complex" with "layered" and "cast" with "team", focusing on the multiple dimensions and collaborative nature.

a dense network of figures

Uses "dense" instead of "complex" and "figures" instead of "cast", highlighting the interconnectedness and crowded nature.

an involved roster of performers

Substitutes "complex" with "involved" and "cast" with "roster", suggesting active participation and a list of individuals.

a deep well of personas

Replaces "complex" with "deep well" and "cast" with "personas", emphasizing the richness and variety of the characters.

FAQs

How can I use "a complex cast" in a sentence?

You can use "a complex cast" to describe a group of characters in a story or play with intricate relationships. For example: "The play features a complex cast, each character contributing to the overall theme of morality."

What are some alternatives to "a complex cast"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an intricate ensemble", "a multifaceted group of characters", or "a complicated set of players", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a complex cast" to describe a group of people in real life?

While primarily used in the context of fiction or performance, you can use "a complex cast" metaphorically to describe a group of people with intricate relationships or diverse personalities. Ensure the context is appropriate and not dehumanizing.

What makes a cast of characters "complex"?

A cast of characters is considered "complex" when the characters have multifaceted personalities, intricate relationships with one another, and conflicting motivations, contributing to a deeper, more nuanced narrative. For instance, a show might have an intricate ensemble that keeps you guessing.