key character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an important or central figure in a story, narrative, or context. Example: "In the novel, the key character struggles with personal demons that ultimately shape the plot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another key character is the "author" himself.

The Guardian - Books

He's not the film's key character.

The Guardian - Film

"Joanie will be a key character, and during the film will give birth to Rodney.

Independent

What do you think are the key character dynamics on the show?

The New York Times

Mr. Spicer also was a key character in a 1997 army mutiny in Papua New Guinea.

The New York Times

The key character traits it highlights are empathy, resilience, self-regulation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Livia Soprano, Tony's mother, was a key character in the early episodes of the series.

The New York Times

"King Kong is the key character, who will have to command the stage and act alongside actors.

The Guardian

"It's not a story about magic, though magic is a key character in the story," he says.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I have a suspicion of lockstep and everyone looking in the same direction: that's a key character trait in me".

The Guardian - Books

There's been uproar over the race change of a key character, rumours of costly reshoots and horrifically awkward promo interviews.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key character", ensure the context clearly establishes why the character is significant. Provide specific examples of their actions or decisions that impact the narrative or situation.

Common error

Avoid labeling a character as a "key character" without providing sufficient evidence of their impact. Ensure their actions and presence justify the designation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key character" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object to identify or describe a central figure in a narrative or context. Ludwig examples showcase this usage across diverse sources, indicating its role in highlighting important individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key character" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote an important figure in a narrative or context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and used across diverse fields, primarily in News & Media. While alternatives like "main character" or "central figure" exist, "key character" emphasizes the significance of the individual's role. When employing the phrase, ensure the context justifies the character's importance with concrete examples. The phrase's versatility and frequency make it a valuable asset in describing narratives across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main character

Focuses on the centrality of the character to the story.

central figure

Highlights the character's importance and prominence.

lead character

Emphasizes the character's role as the protagonist.

principal character

Stresses the character's significance and influence.

pivotal character

Indicates the character's role in driving the plot forward.

major player

Suggests the character has a substantial impact on events.

significant character

Highlights the character's importance to the story or context.

primary actor

Emphasizes the character's active role in the narrative.

essential character

Focuses on the character being required or indispensable.

core character

Highlights the centrality of the character to the essence of the story.

FAQs

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

You can use "key character" to refer to a person who plays a significant role in a story, event, or situation. For example, "The detective was a "key character" in solving the mystery."

What's a good alternative to "key character"?

Alternatives include "main character", "central figure", or "lead character" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a key character" or "the key character"?

Both are grammatically correct, depending on the context. "A "key character"" implies one of several important characters, while "the "key character"" suggests the most important one.

What distinguishes a "key character" from a minor character?

A "key character" significantly influences the plot, themes, or relationships within a story, whereas a minor character has limited impact and serves primarily to support the main narrative.