a persuasive character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a persuasive character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has the ability to convince or influence others effectively. Example: "The protagonist in the novel has a persuasive character that draws readers into the story and makes them empathize with his struggles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But let's return to a happier topic: Mr. Butz, who manages to find a persuasive character even when the hapless, hacking Camille is still alive.

The New York Times

Only Julia Murney (Queenie in the Manhattan Theater Club's "Wild Party"), who plays Kate Mancuso, Si's strident 21st-century girlfriend, creates a persuasive character, exuding an angular contemporary aggression and a softening breath of insecurity.

The New York Times

Which is what, in the final analysis, "Lucky Guy" is — not so much a fully developed play or even a persuasive character study as a boisterous swapping of fond anecdotes about the end of a life and the end of an era.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

What is it that makes the LCD frontman such a consistently persuasive character?

Vice

A persuasive case is made for Duse as a genius: natural, intuitive and deeply in touch with the characters she created and affecting those who saw her perform.

The New York Times - Books

He has a persuasive case.

The New York Times

The francs made a persuasive case.

The New York Times

The rest of the acting ranges from Zachary Quinto's stab at Tom — everything labored, beginning with those awful vowels and studied pauses — to Celia Keenan-Bolger's touching but one-note Laura, to the production's best performance, Brian J. Smith as the Gentleman Caller, who gives us a modulated and persuasive character and doesn't thrust his technique in our faces.

The New Yorker

Graduation is an utterly absorbing film of masterly compositional flair which is a very persuasive character-study of a doctor whose muddy moral choices infect his daughter's worldview — and also a resoundingly authoritative picture of Romania and the Eastern Europe which now has a generational perspective on the escape from communism.

The Guardian - Film

Richly deserving of its Palme d'Or win at Cannes last year, Abdellatif Kechiche's porous, persuasive character study yields an astonishing performance from Adèle Exarchopoulos as a gangly secondary school student whose chance encounter with a blue-haired painter (Léa Seydoux) gradually unlocks her adult identity.

The Guardian - Film

None of the triclads, bothrioplanids, or neodermatans show any sign of spiral cleavage in their early embryogenesis, and the loss of this trait is a persuasive morphological character uniting this group.

Current Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a persuasive character" to describe a fictional or real person whose arguments or actions are effective in changing the minds or behaviors of others. Make sure the context clarifies what makes the character persuasive.

Common error

Avoid using "a persuasive character" when you actually mean someone who is simply likable or attractive. Persuasion implies a deliberate attempt to influence, not just an inherent charm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a persuasive character" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "persuasive" modifies the noun "character". It is used to describe someone who possesses the ability to convince or influence others effectively. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a persuasive character" is used to describe someone capable of influencing others effectively. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While "a persuasive character" isn't overly common, the phrase's neutral register makes it applicable in both formal and informal settings. When writing, remember that persuasiveness involves active influence, differentiating it from simple likability. Consider alternatives like ""a compelling figure"" or ""an influential personality"" to fine-tune the meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a compelling figure

Focuses on the character's ability to attract and hold attention.

an influential personality

Highlights the character's impact on others.

a convincing persona

Emphasizes the believability of the character.

an effective advocate

Highlights the character's skill in arguing for a cause.

a magnetic individual

Stresses the character's charisma and appeal.

a charismatic leader

Highlights leadership qualities and ability to inspire.

an eloquent speaker

Focuses on the character's ability to communicate effectively.

a skilled negotiator

Emphasizes the character's ability to reach agreements.

a powerful voice

Highlights the character's ability to influence through their words.

a dominant presence

Stresses the character's strong and commanding nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "a persuasive character" to describe someone in a story or real life who effectively convinces others. For example, "The lawyer was "a persuasive character" in court, swaying the jury with his arguments."

What are some alternatives to "a persuasive character"?

Alternatives include "a compelling figure", "an influential personality", or "a convincing persona", depending on the specific aspect of persuasion you want to emphasize.

What makes a character "persuasive"?

A character is persuasive when they possess traits like strong communication skills, logical reasoning, empathy, and the ability to present their ideas in a clear and compelling manner. Their credibility and the evidence they provide also contribute to their persuasiveness.

Is it better to say "persuasive character" or "convincing character"?

Both "persuasive character" and "convincing character" are valid, but "persuasive" implies an active attempt to change someone's mind, while "convincing" simply suggests believability. Choose the word that best fits the character's actions and impact.