conception of character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conception of character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the understanding or interpretation of a character in literature, film, or other forms of storytelling. Example: "The author's unique conception of character allows readers to connect deeply with the protagonist's struggles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

This may also be a reason that Shakespeare's conception of character changed.

The New York Times - Arts

Power, or Caro's understanding of it, also underlies his conception of character and structure.

The New York Times - Magazine

As was typical of ancient authors, he had no conception of character as developing through the course of a lifetime.

Encyclopedia Britannica

High-feminine instead of fetishistically masculine, glittery rather than gritty, and daring in its conception of character, "Sex and the City" was a brilliant and, in certain ways, radical show.

The New Yorker

Like many before him, Pamuk suggests that Shakespeare did much to shape the modern conception of character as embodying more than "a single, basic attribute", offering instead protagonists who are complex entities "shaped by conflicting impulses and conditions".

The Guardian - Books

"It's too big, too broad, too stuffed with competing storylines, whirligig digressions and the operations of authorial whim to permit of a continuous conception of character," objected Tim Martin in the Independent on Sunday.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Yet a mark of Godard's cinematic genius, and the aspect of it that appears most distinctive and most off-putting to this very day, is his conception of characters and of the performances that realize them.

The New Yorker

But Dunkirk simply has a different conception of "characters" than most films do, as "identity" is limited to what the film's characters do on-screen no mon-screen noess.

Vice

But Dunkirk simply has a different conception of "characters" than most films do, as "identity" is limited to what the film's characters do onscreen no more and no less.

Vice

This work relies on results in experimental social psychology to call into question the conceptions of character and virtue that are of concern especially to the ancient Greek moralists and to contemporary philosophers whose work derives from ancient views.

SEP

Noomi Rapace throws herself into the title role, but something about the conception of her character, and about the far-reaching urgency of the sociopathic shocks behind the killing, smacks of a filmmaker pushing too hard.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing literature or film, use "conception of character" to discuss the author's or director's foundational understanding and presentation of a character. This helps highlight the intentionality behind character development.

Common error

Avoid using "conception of character" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "understanding of the character" or "how they see the character" are often more appropriate and sound less pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conception of character" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the initial idea, understanding, or mental representation of a character within a narrative. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conception of character" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes the initial understanding or mental representation of a character, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is analytical and critical, appearing most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When writing, it is best used in formal or analytical settings, while simpler alternatives may be more suitable for informal contexts. Related phrases include ""understanding of character"" and "interpretation of character". Overall, this phrase is a valuable tool for discussing and analyzing character development in various forms of storytelling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understanding of character

Replaces "conception" with a more common synonym, maintaining the same core meaning.

interpretation of character

Focuses on the act of interpreting a character, rather than the initial idea.

vision of character

Emphasizes the imaginative or creative aspect of understanding a character.

view of character

Offers a more general perspective or opinion regarding a character.

perception of character

Highlights how a character is perceived or understood by others.

portrayal of character

Shifts focus to how a character is depicted or represented in a work.

representation of character

Similar to "portrayal", but can also refer to symbolic representations.

construction of character

Emphasizes the process of creating or building a character.

character conceptualization

A more formal and academic way of expressing the initial formation of a character idea.

character design

Focuses on the aesthetic and functional aspects of creating a character.

FAQs

How can I use "conception of character" in a sentence?

You can use "conception of character" to discuss an author's or director's understanding and presentation of a character. For example, "Shakespeare's "understanding of character" was groundbreaking for his time."

What are some alternatives to "conception of character"?

Some alternatives include ""understanding of character"", "interpretation of character", and "vision of character", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "conception of character" formal or informal?

"Conception of character" leans towards formal usage. In informal contexts, consider using simpler phrases like "idea of character" or "view of character".

What does "conception of character" mean in literary analysis?

In literary analysis, "conception of character" refers to the author's foundational understanding and presentation of a character, influencing their actions, motivations, and overall role in the story. This relates closely to the "portrayal of character".