established character

USAGE SUMMARY

"established character" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to a character that has been well-defined or recognized over time, often in literature or storytelling. For example: "The protagonist's established character traits made her decisions predictable." Alternative expressions include "well-defined character" and "recognized character."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The returning military veteran is a firmly established character in American literature.

The New York Times - Books

Now there's a sequel, but starring an established character this time: Perry the Platypus from cartoon show Phineas and Ferb.

The Guardian - Tech

The foundation also established "character awards" at White Plains High School and Temple Israel Center in White Plains to reward traits like compassion and integrity in young people.

The New York Times

The parody, entitled Oppa Saida Style, starred the comedian Wissam Saad, in (well established) character as a dimwit native of Saida known as Abu-Talal.

The Guardian

Now an established character actor and author "When I had to slap Malcolm, Kubrick went mad in rehearsal and said 'hit him'.

Independent

From the start, with a muscular lament over the Swiss people's lack of freedom ("How burdensome is life! / We no longer have a fatherland!"), Finley established character through urgent shaping of phrases and minute variations of timbre.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Will they spotlight other established characters?

The New York Times

What is harder -- and what George P. Pelecanos does so easily in his latest, "Soul Circus" -- is to bring established characters back to such a warm welcome.

The New York Times - Books

To lower production costs, producers have apparently started targeting the big budget-straining salaries that have been accrued by the oldest, most established characters.

The New York Times

Paul Marquess, who formerly ran The Bill and Brookside, was brought in by Lime Pictures to revamp the soap last summer, but left abruptly earlier this year after a clearout of established characters.

The Guardian

The Inception comparison is apt, since both these Christopher Nolan films are based on original ideas, rather than benefiting from audience interest in established characters.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a character in a series, use "established character" to indicate that they are already known to the audience and have a history within the narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "established character" when you actually mean a well-known actor. "Established character" refers to a fictional persona, not the performer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "established character" functions as a noun phrase, where "established" is an adjective modifying the noun "character". It's used to describe a character that is already well-known or developed within a narrative, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "established character" is a noun phrase used to describe a well-defined and recognized character within a narrative. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in contexts like News & Media and Wiki. Alternatives include "well-known figure" or "well-developed character". It's important to use this phrase when referring specifically to the character's pre-existing presence and not to confuse it with well-known actors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

existing character

Simplifies the phrase to emphasize the character's presence.

pre-existing character

Highlights that the character was already in place or known.

well-developed character

Focuses on the completeness and complexity of the character.

classic character

Implies the character is iconic and enduring.

well-known figure

Replaces 'character' with 'figure', focusing on the person's notability.

long-standing persona

Emphasizes the duration and developed nature of the character.

recognized personality

Substitutes both 'established' and 'character' with terms emphasizing fame and individuality.

deeply rooted role

Shifts the focus to the character's significance and integration within a setting.

familiar face

Uses a more colloquial term to describe someone easily identifiable.

legendary figure

Elevates the character to mythical or highly celebrated status.

FAQs

How can I use "established character" in a sentence?

You can use "established character" to refer to a character that has a history in a story, for instance: "The writers decided to introduce a new villain instead of relying on an "established character"."

What are some alternatives to "established character"?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "well-known figure", "recognized personality", or "well-developed character" as alternatives to "established character".

What does it mean for a character to be 'established'?

When a character is described as "established", it means they have a history, recognizable traits, and a defined role within their narrative world. The audience is already familiar with their backstory and motivations.

Is there a difference between "existing character" and "established character"?

While both phrases indicate a character already present in a narrative, "existing character" simply means the character is there. "Established character", however, implies that the character is well-defined and known by the audience.