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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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a working character

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a working character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a character in a story or narrative that is functional, well-developed, or serves a specific purpose within the plot. Example: "The author created a working character who drives the story forward and engages the reader's interest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is a working character.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I want a working class character who's NOT just a caricature, like the nannies.

Before Hurley was cast, he was imagined as a working class character (and later a repo man) who was supposed to get killed off earlier in the season.  .

News & Media

Huffington Post

There are many tributaries of popular education and change making with a public work character.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Building upon the arguments advanced by Kinnaird, Bromwich further challenges the "reductive" notion that Characters was simply a work of "character" criticism.

In narrative forms, heroic stature is achieved by a character working steadily toward a defined goal or struggling to fulfill some ideal of the self.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Each member of the band plays a character working in the salon, pampering and making-up a variety of men.

He's so seasoned and so clear about what he needs to do to make a scene work and a character work and to elevate other people around him".

News & Media

Huffington Post

For me the most important thing is that the character has a voice at a certain point- that you're working on a character.

News & Media

Vice

John Major, a naturally consensual character working with a vanishing majority, was tortured over Europe.

Themes, characters and images recur in different configurations, as in a complex musical work; characters from earlier Mitchell books make guest appearances; there are sly references to Mitchell's literary reputation, as well as to the works of other writers.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When crafting a fictional character, ensure they contribute actively to the plot, displaying agency and purpose that resonates with the narrative's central themes.

Common error

Avoid creating characters that simply react to events. Give them clear motivations and allow them to drive the story forward through their choices and actions.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a working character" functions as a descriptive term, typically used within literary or dramatic contexts. It signifies that a character is not merely present but actively contributes to the narrative's progression and thematic depth, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a working character" is a phrase used to describe a character that effectively fulfills its role within a story. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not a highly frequent term, it appears mostly in discussions related to news media, wiki and encyclopedias . To ensure a character is "working", focus on giving them clear motivations and allowing them to actively contribute to the narrative. Alternatives include "a functional character" or "a well-developed character". Avoiding overly passive characters is also a good tip.

FAQs

How can I make sure I've created "a working character"?

Ensure the character has clear motivations, impacts the plot, and undergoes development or contributes meaningfully to the story's themes. In short, a "working character" should feel essential, not extraneous.

What are some alternatives to saying "a working character"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a functional character", "a well-developed character", or "a practical character".

What does it mean for a character to "work" in a story?

For a character to "work", it means they serve a clear purpose, whether it's to advance the plot, provide thematic depth, or offer emotional resonance. They should feel integral to the narrative, not just a bystander.

Is "a working character" a common term in literary analysis?

While not a highly technical term, "a working character" is understandable as a character that effectively fulfills its role within a narrative. More formal terms might include 'well-developed character' or 'functional character'.

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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: