assume the character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assume the character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing taking on a role or persona, often in the context of acting, writing, or role-playing. Example: "To fully engage with the audience, the actor must assume the character of the protagonist convincingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Black said in the original script he had hoped audiences would assume the character was male, before her true gender was revealed.

The Guardian - Film

Slav predominance was weakened by the attitude of the Poles, who remained loyal to the central government, allowing the national conflict to assume the character of a primarily Czech-German quarrel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All factions insisted that the uprising must continue, but several leaders from Mr Arafat's Fatah movement called for it to assume the character of mass, non-violent civil disobedience rather than armed struggle.Others demurred.

The Economist

The Rider-writer observed that the park's designers "were censured at the time of laying it out for allotting so much space to so little purpose," but that on a fine afternoon in some sections there was a "passage of horsemen and horsewomen so constant as to assume the character of a procession".

The New York Times

With the courage of an almost beaten man attempting a probably final throw of the dice, he seizes the opportunity to pretend himself dead and to assume the character of a man facially very like him, victim of a fatal heart attack, whom he has met in a remote part of Africa by chance.

The New Yorker

In case WoW has never crossed your radar, here's how it goes: users pay $14.99 per month (£8.99 in the UK) to get the chance to assume the character of an orc, troll, human or dwarf and participate in "quests" against the other side.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Immediately, the book assumed the character of a new medium.

The Guardian - Arts

Later the development assumed the character of the meat in the sandwich, as it were.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By the 15th century the office had assumed the character of prince subject to law.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Accounts of the financial crisis, in particular, have assumed the character of Mr. Potato Head kits.

The New York Times - Books

At one point the struggle assumed the character of a Polish-German national conflict.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue or narratives, use "assume the character" to depict actors or individuals fully embodying the traits, mannerisms, and perspectives of a role for authentic portrayal.

Common error

Avoid using "assume the character" when you simply mean to "assume the role". "Assume the character" implies a deeper embodiment of the persona, beyond just acting the part.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assume the character" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of taking on or embodying a role or persona. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "assume the character" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe embodying a role or persona. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not overly frequent, it's commonly found in contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and science. Alternatives like "take on the character" or "embody the character" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using this phrase, ensure you intend to convey a deep and complete representation of the role, rather than simply "assuming the role" in a more general sense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take on the character

Focuses on the act of adopting the attributes of a character.

embody the character

Implies a deeper, more complete representation of the character.

adopt the persona

Specifically refers to taking on a particular identity or facade.

portray the character

Highlights the act of depicting or representing the character, typically in performance.

impersonate the character

Emphasizes mimicking or imitating the character.

play the role

A more general term for acting as a specific character in a play or scenario.

step into the shoes of the character

Suggests experiencing the character's life and perspective.

take on the role of the character

More verbose version of "play the role", adding emphasis.

affect the character

Highlights the imitation to project the character in a play or scenario.

simulate the character

Refers to creating an imitation of the character, typically in a virtual or technological environment.

FAQs

How can I use "assume the character" in a sentence?

You can use "assume the character" to describe an actor fully embodying a role, such as: "For the play, she had to assume the character of a mischievous elf."

What does it mean to "assume the character"?

To "assume the character" means to fully embody the traits, mannerisms, and perspectives of a role, typically in acting, writing, or role-playing. It involves a deep and complete representation.

What are some alternatives to "assume the character"?

Alternatives include "take on the character", "embody the character", or "play the role" depending on the context.

In what contexts would I use "assume the character"?

This phrase is commonly used in discussions about acting, writing, and role-playing, where a person embodies a specific persona. For example, in writing, an author might "assume the character" of their protagonist to better understand their motivations.