'characteristics of a' is a perfectly usable phrase in written English.
For example, you could write, "This article will discuss the characteristics of a successful entrepreneur."
What are typical characteristics of a "driller"?
What were the principal characteristics of a beautiful geode?
What are some of the characteristics of a democratic government?
The EU would take on characteristics of a state.
The notion of desertification has three characteristics of a compelling story.
"Today's Bay Area real estate market has all the characteristics of a relatively normal balanced market.
Dr. Gruman lists the characteristics of a person best suited to help at this time.
Brochures were scattered on passenger seats describing the characteristics of a "good cell phone-using neighbor".
When the marathon began, Bryant exhibited all the characteristics of a stubborn young player.
It has more and more the characteristics of a Ponzi scheme.
"Those were all characteristics of a 'members association' as defined in the Act.
