character

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a person in a story, or to a distinctive feature or quality of someone or something. For example: "The main character of the book was a brave young girl."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Books

Travel

Opinion

Sport

TV & Radio

Arts

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a crime under the Act to send "by means of a public electronic communications network" a message or other material that is "grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character".

The Guardian - Books

In last week's release Populaire, the suave Romain Duris character is asked to stop smoking in the office by the new secretary, played by Déborah François.

The Guardian - Film

"Oscar de La Renta sleeveless silk, full-skirted dress with black patent-leather bow belt – now that is pure poetry," the character once said.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sadly, Pat, our supremely selfish protagonist, is the only truly fleshed-out character in the film.

The Guardian - Film

People who are systematically oppressed do have to work harder than those who are privileged, and the positive spin is often that it builds character.

The Guardian - Opinion

The puffin seems eminently suitable to be our national bird: a dapper little character who is equally at home on sea or land, given to hedonistic feasting when the seasons allow, but also capable of austere self-denial (they spend their winters out in the North Atlantic).

The Guardian - Travel

The downside of such a unique situation and character is, of course, the Riviera price tag, often as steep as the Lattari mountains themselves.

The Guardian - Travel

Can "playing a character" on stage mitigate personal responsibility for the content of what you're saying/doing in any way?

The Guardian

"Everyone had a character, an act, a play, a rant, and there were stages to do them on and audiences anxious to catch them," says Michael Musto, long-time chronicler of the New York scene for the Village Voice.

The Guardian - Music

"Some people have had a go at me about including that kind of a character and those kinds of words in the series, but I can't write about Alice Springs if I don't include that character," she says.

The Guardian - Arts

"They absolutely made me think that I was playing the character in The Beach," McGregor told the Times in 2011.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "character" in the context of writing, explore the motivations and backstories of your characters to create depth and complexity.

Common error

Avoid reducing a "character" to a mere caricature by focusing solely on exaggerated traits. Instead, strive for a balanced portrayal that includes both strengths and weaknesses.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "character" is as a noun. It refers to a person in a story, a distinguishing feature, or moral strength. Ludwig's examples show its wide application in describing individuals and their attributes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Film

11%

Books

8%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Opinion

5%

Sport

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "character" is a versatile noun with multiple meanings, ranging from a person in a story to a distinguishing quality or moral strength. Ludwig AI validates its correct grammatical status and notes its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Film, and Books. When using "character", remember to provide specific examples to support your descriptions and avoid reducing individuals to mere caricatures. By considering its different nuances and contexts, you can effectively incorporate "character" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

personal identity

Highlights the distinct aspects of person's being.

personality traits

Focuses specifically on aspects of an individual's personality.

personal attributes

Highlights aspects of qualities related to someone.

ethical qualities

Highlights moral and virtuous attributes.

moral fiber

Highlights the ethical and virtuous qualities of someone.

behavioral attributes

Focuses on aspects related to actions and conduct.

distinctive nature

Emphasizes the unique qualities that set something apart.

inner strength

Refers to the resilience and fortitude within a person.

role in a story

Specifically refers to the function of a character in a narrative.

written symbol

Refers to a sign that represents something.

FAQs

How can I use "character" in a sentence?

You can use "character" to describe a person's moral or ethical qualities, as in "He is a man of strong character". It can also refer to a figure in a story, like "The main character in the novel is a detective".

What can I say instead of "character" when describing someone's personality?

Alternatives include "personality traits", "disposition", or "nature" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

What's the difference between "character" and "reputation"?

"Character" refers to the inherent qualities of a person, while "reputation" is the general opinion others have about them. Someone can have a good "character" but a bad "reputation", or vice-versa.

In writing, how do I develop a believable "character"?

Focus on creating a well-rounded individual with strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. Consider their backstory, relationships, and how they react to different situations. Give them quirks and flaws to make them more realistic.