little character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or minor character in a story, game, or other narrative context. Example: "In the novel, the little character played a crucial role in the protagonist's journey, despite their limited presence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Big property values, little character.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pasta dishes had little character.

The New York Times

They're like the Cleavon Little character.

The New York Times

"I found him a fascinating little character," Mr. King said.

The New York Times - Arts

He'll think it's weird, that dirty little character".

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Demy's original story remains humdrum, with little character development.

The New York Times

"He's such a stupid little character," he told the newspaper.

The New Yorker

Prial found it well made but with little character.

The New York Times - Food

But you sit back and watch the movie, and he's still a pretty compelling little character.

The New York Times

Yet the novel feels rushed and overlong, with little character development.

Independent

"Not to mention drawing someone with a little character and decency as well".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character in a narrative, use "little character" to convey their physical size, lack of importance, or simplicity in personality. This can add depth and nuance to your storytelling.

Common error

Avoid using "little character" when you intend to describe a character's moral standing. While 'little' can imply insignificance, it primarily refers to size or scale. Instead, use adjectives like 'dishonorable' or 'insignificant' to accurately convey moral attributes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little character" primarily functions as a descriptive term. It modifies a noun, typically referring to a person or figure in a narrative or real life, indicating their size, importance, or personality traits. As Ludwig AI reports, its usage is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Arts

20%

Food

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Books

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "little character" is a grammatically correct and frequently used descriptive term that conveys information about a person's size, significance, or personality. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is versatile and appears in diverse contexts. While generally neutral in register, careful consideration of the specific nuance is important for formal writing. Common usage involves storytelling, but it's important to avoid misinterpretations regarding character morals, which can be better addressed using specific adjectives. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian confirms its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor figure

Focuses on the character's importance or role within a narrative.

secondary character

Specifies the character's position in the hierarchy of importance within the story.

small personality

Emphasizes the character's personality traits rather than their physical size or role.

supporting character

Indicates the character's function in aiding the main character or plot.

tiny role

Focuses solely on the limited extent of a character's involvement.

insignificant role

Highlights the character's lack of impact or importance in the context.

unremarkable person

Highlights the character's lack of distinctiveness or memorability.

petite individual

Emphasizes the physical smallness of a person, contrasting with the phrase's broader applications.

modest persona

Stresses the unassuming nature of the character's public image or behavior.

humble figure

Implies modesty and lack of pretension in the character.

FAQs

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

You can use "little character" to describe a minor role in a play or movie, or a person with a simple or unassuming personality. For example: "Despite being a "minor figure", her actions had a significant impact."

What can I say instead of "little character"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""minor figure"", "small personality", or "insignificant role".

Is it appropriate to use "little character" in formal writing?

While "little character" is generally acceptable, it's best to consider your audience and the specific nuance you want to convey. In formal writing, more precise terms like "secondary character" or "supporting character" might be more suitable.

What does it mean when someone is described as a "little character"?

The phrase "little character" can imply various meanings, including physical smallness, lack of significance, or a simple and unassuming personality. The exact interpretation depends on the context in which it is used.