keep in character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep in character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the importance of maintaining a specific persona or behavior, often in the context of acting, writing, or role-playing. Example: "As an actor, it's crucial to keep in character during rehearsals to fully embody the role."

✓ Grammatically correct

Acting

Writing

Role-playing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

BARON COHEN -- That was the thing, because I have to keep in character.

The New York Times - Arts

Keep in character.

WikiHow

Keep in character, whatever your character may be.

WikiHow

If you forget a line in a song, don't lose character and just stand there, Keep in character and just carry on to the start of your next line, or use the prompt.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This was western themed (no surprise), and I liked how everything from the dusty streets to the yee-haws kept in character.

Forbes

When an audience member fell ill, Hanks kept in character to keep the rest of the audience enthralled.

HuffPost

Lady Gaga kept in character in a white Brandon Maxwell pantsuit and wide-brimmed hat, while Ariana Grande also chose white slacks, paired with her signature lacy bustier and high ponytail.

Los Angeles Times

During a performance last week of William Shakespeare's "Henry IV" starring Hanks as Falstaff at the Japanese Garden on the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration campus, he kept his cool and kept in character while paramedics attended to an audience member.

HuffPost

During a performance last week of William Shakespeare's "Henry IV" starring Hanks as Falstaff at the Japanese Garden on the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration campus, he kept his cool and kept in character while paramedics attended to an audience member.

Huffington Post

The teacher must keep in mind that character "is solely formed through action out of one's own will" (PS I: 251).

SEP

Keep in mind the character you have created for yourself; be specific.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, ensure that each character's speech patterns and vocabulary choices consistently reflect their established personality to "keep in character".

Common error

Avoid abruptly changing a character's established mannerisms or beliefs mid-story. This can disrupt reader immersion and damage the character's credibility. Always "keep in character".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep in character" functions primarily as a directive, urging someone to maintain a consistent persona or behavior. It's commonly used in contexts related to acting, writing, and general conduct, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep in character" is a directive phrase that emphasizes the importance of maintaining a consistent persona or behavior, particularly in acting, writing, and role-playing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. Usage frequency is uncommon, and the phrase appears across various contexts, including news, media, and general discussions. To maintain authenticity and believability, especially in creative works, it's crucial to consistently embody the traits and mannerisms of the intended role and "keep in character".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay in character

Direct synonym, emphasizing the act of remaining within the defined persona.

maintain character

Focuses on the active effort to uphold the characteristics of the role.

remain in character

Similar to 'stay in character', highlighting the continuation of the persona.

hold character

Emphasizes the actor's ability to sustain the portrayal.

sustain the role

Highlights the prolonged performance of the defined character.

uphold the persona

Stresses the preservation of the established public image or role.

adhere to the role

Focuses on sticking closely to the guidelines and traits of the character.

stay true to the character

Emphasizes fidelity and consistency in portraying the character's essence.

embody the role

Focuses on fully expressing and representing the character.

portray consistently

Highlights the uniform and unwavering depiction of the character.

FAQs

How can I ensure my character remains consistent throughout a story?

To maintain consistency, create a detailed character profile outlining their traits, background, and motivations. Refer back to this profile frequently to "keep in character".

What does it mean to "stay in character"?

Staying in character means consistently embodying the role, thoughts, and actions of a specific persona, whether in acting, writing, or everyday interactions. Similar to "remain in character".

Which is better, "keep in character" or "stay in character"?

Both "keep in character" and "stay in character" are acceptable and virtually interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific context.

How important is it to "keep in character" when roleplaying?

Maintaining a consistent persona is crucial for immersive and believable roleplaying experiences. Breaking character can disrupt the narrative and diminish the engagement of other participants. A synonym is "maintain character".