list of characters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "list of characters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a compilation of individuals or entities that appear in a story, play, film, or other narrative forms. Example: "In the novel, the list of characters includes the protagonist, several antagonists, and various supporting roles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The list of characters is long, and their correspondence is strikingly colorful".

The New York Times

The handset then recognises the shape and offers a list of characters to choose from.

The Economist

This is an alphabetically ordered list of characters in plays by William Shakespeare.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The software presents a list of characters fitting the pronunciation "jing".

The New York Times - Tech

We've put a list of characters at the end of the article.

The Guardian

But the list of characters already included a Princess Mary, Catherine of Aragon's little daughter.

The New York Times

The software presents a list of characters fitting the pronunciation "bei" in a toolbar.

The New York Times - Tech

Below is a list of characters produced by what I believe is lazy screenwriting.

The Guardian - Film

The opposing voices of the essays now found their freedom in fiction, in a long list of characters with different points of view.

The New Yorker

As I scanned the list of characters, I realized I knew a few people who would be naturals to play "Jacquelyn Hyde".

The New York Times - Tech

(The play's list of characters includes Black Man with Watermelon, Black Woman with Fried Drumstick, Lots of Grease and Lots of Pork, and Old Man River Jordan).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a "list of characters" in a written work, consider providing brief descriptions or background information for each character to help readers keep track of them, especially in complex narratives with many individuals.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "list of characters" without sufficient context or background. Readers may struggle to remember who each character is and their significance to the story, diminishing their engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "list of characters" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It serves to identify a collection or enumeration of individuals within a narrative or context. Ludwig provides various examples where the phrase is used to describe the content of a book, play, or movie.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "list of characters" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to a compilation of individuals appearing in a narrative, such as a book, play, or film. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts. It is particularly prevalent in news and media, Wiki entries, and scientific publications. While the phrase maintains a neutral tone, it serves the essential function of orienting audiences to the individuals within a narrative, often by providing key details about their roles and relationships. When writing, ensure that "list of characters" is accompanied by sufficient context to aid reader comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

character directory

Replaces "list" with "directory", emphasizing organization and access.

character index

Uses "index" to suggest a structured and searchable compilation of characters.

character roster

Employs "roster" to imply a complete enumeration, often in a play or performance.

dramatis personae

A more formal and traditional term, directly referring to the characters in a dramatic work.

who's who of characters

An informal way of presenting the main or significant characters.

inventory of characters

Implies a detailed and complete count of all characters involved.

character compendium

Suggests a comprehensive collection with descriptions and details of each character.

register of characters

Uses "register" to denote an official or formal record.

catalog of characters

Uses "catalog" to emphasize organization by category.

character lineup

Informal, suggests characters present in a play or show.

FAQs

How can I use "list of characters" in a sentence?

You can use "list of characters" to introduce or refer to the set of individuals appearing in a play, book, movie or other narrative. For example: "The novel begins with a "list of characters" and their roles."

What can I say instead of "list of characters"?

You can use alternatives like "character roster", "character index", or "dramatis personae" depending on the context and formality.

Is it better to say "the list of characters are" or "the list of characters is"?

The correct phrasing is "the list of characters is" because the subject is "list", which is singular. Even though the list contains multiple characters, the list itself is a single entity.

What should I include in a "list of characters" for a novel?

In addition to the characters' names, consider including brief descriptions of their roles, relationships to other characters, and any significant background information that helps readers understand their importance in the story.