prominent character

USAGE SUMMARY

"prominent character" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is important or influential, especially in the context of a story or narrative. For example, "John is a prominent character in the novel, often making decisions that shape the course of the plot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Did you have an influence on making Black Widow a more prominent character in "The Avengers"?

The New York Times

7 In which children's TV drama did a prominent character struggle with heroin addiction?

Independent

The most prominent character in List of the Lost is Ezra.

The Guardian - Music

You won't find that mentioned in the film "Reds," in which Goldman was a prominent character.

The New York Times

He is a prominent character in Sam Anderson's April New York Times Magazine feature on "hyper-addictive stupid games".

The New York Times

Trump, whose most prominent character trait is shamelessness, suffers little damage among his core supporters for his daily trespasses.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Sometimes Ward throws too many names into the mix, but his most prominent characters are unforgettable.

The New York Times - Books

Literary critics have noted that struggling orphans have for centuries been prominent characters in Japanese literature.

The New York Times

Thanks to Seymour Chwast's Sketchbook (March 24), my mental image of some of literature's most prominent characters has been ruined.

The New York Times - Books

Other prominent characters are the fold and the sulcus that you can see in the middle of the spiriferids shown here.

University of California, Berkeley

They have also gained a reputation — consistent with the George R. R. Martin novels from which the show is adapted — for killing off prominent characters in gruesome fashion.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "key character" or "significant figure" to add variety to your writing and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid labeling a character as a "prominent character" if their role is minor or insignificant to the overall narrative. This can mislead readers and weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prominent character" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "prominent" modifies the noun "character". It is used to identify a person within a story, event, or context who is of significant importance or influence. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a standard English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

24%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prominent character" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that describes an important figure in a narrative or situation. As Ludwig AI clarifies, its purpose is to emphasize the significance of an individual, making it a valuable term for writers across various genres. Its usage is most prevalent in "News & Media" and "Wiki" sources, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring the described character genuinely holds a position of influence. Using synonyms like "key character" or "significant figure" can also enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

notable character

Focuses on the character being worthy of attention or recognition.

significant character

Emphasizes the character's importance or consequence within the story or situation.

key character

Highlights the character's essential role in a narrative or event.

central figure

Indicates the character is at the center of attention or action.

leading figure

Suggests the character is in a position of leadership or influence.

major player

Implies the character has a significant role or impact.

principal actor

Highlights the character's primary involvement or participation.

influential individual

Focuses on the character's power to affect others or events.

important personage

Suggests a character of high rank or distinction.

conspicuous figure

Highlights that the character is easily noticeable or stands out.

FAQs

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

You can use "prominent character" to describe a figure of importance within a story. For instance, "The protagonist is a "prominent character" whose decisions drive the plot forward."

What is a good alternative to "prominent character"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives such as "key character", "significant figure", or "leading figure" to convey a similar meaning.

What makes a character "prominent"?

A character becomes "prominent" through their significant role, influence on the plot, or impact on other characters within a story or situation. Their actions and decisions often have substantial consequences.

Is it better to say "main character" or "prominent character"?

"Main character" generally refers to the central figure of a story, whereas ""prominent character"" indicates someone influential but not necessarily the central figure. The best choice depends on the character's actual role in the narrative.