existing character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "existing character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a character that is already present or established in a particular context, such as in literature, gaming, or storytelling. Example: "The existing character in the novel has a complex backstory that adds depth to the plot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

So think twice before grabbing an existing character or personality for your story.

The Guardian

But the key is good design that fits in with towns' existing character.

The Guardian

And it's understandable too: it's easy to plug in a celebrity or existing character to your story.

The Guardian

The abolition of plazas, the requirement that buildings extend to street walls, is intended to preserve the existing character of neighborhoods.

The New York Times - Arts

It was a precursor of what would later be called contextual zoning, legislation intended to preserve the existing character of New York neighborhoods.

The New York Times - Books

The novel, out next October, draws on excised characters, existing character back-stories and plot threads that were cut from Stoker's original novel, first published 111 years ago.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

There is no point conjuring up a character whose skills or style resemble existing characters.

The Guardian - Film

But they will "fill in the gaps" with the reappearance of some existing characters.

The New York Times

But television shows usually write characters out of shows rather than have new actors play existing characters.

The New York Times

One thing I do for that show is develop new designs for a couple of the existing characters.

The New York Times

"However, every sex scene in fanfic always has a narrative, since it is integrated in a realm of existing characters.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing fan fiction, respect the established traits and backstory of the "existing character" to maintain authenticity and resonate with fans.

Common error

Avoid creating plot inconsistencies by thoroughly understanding the motivations and established behaviors of the "existing character". Ignoring these can lead to jarring and unbelievable narratives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "existing character" functions as a noun phrase, where "existing" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "character". It's used to identify a character that is already present or established in a given context, as Ludwig's examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "existing character" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a character already established within a narrative. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this phrase appears across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing and wikis, indicating its versatility. When employing "existing character" in your writing, ensure you have a firm grasp of the character's established traits to maintain consistency and credibility. While alternatives like "pre-existing character" or "established character" can offer slight variations in emphasis, the core meaning remains consistent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pre-existing character

Emphasizes that the character existed before the current context or story.

established character

Highlights the character's established presence and background.

current character

Focuses on the character's role in the present narrative or situation.

original character

Refers to a character already part of the story from the beginning.

previously established character

Specifies that the character was introduced or developed earlier.

known character

Implies the character is familiar or recognized within the story's world.

recurring character

Describes a character that appears multiple times throughout the story.

returning character

Indicates a character who has reappeared after an absence.

legacy character

Character with a long history or significant impact.

incumbent character

Refers to a character currently holding a position or role.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "existing character" in a sentence?

The phrase "existing character" is used to refer to a character that is already established in a story, game, or other fictional universe. For example: "The author decided to explore the backstory of an existing character in the sequel."

What are some alternatives to using "existing character"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "pre-existing character", "established character", or "current character".

Is it better to create a new character or use an "existing character" in a story?

It depends on your goals. Using an "existing character" can leverage established fanbases and provide immediate recognition, but creating a new character allows for more creative freedom and originality.

When is it appropriate to modify an "existing character" in fan fiction?

While fan fiction often involves creative interpretations of existing characters, it's important to consider the potential for alienating fans if the modifications drastically alter core traits or motivations. Consider the impact on their relationship with other "known character".