sense of character

USAGE SUMMARY

"sense of character" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe someone's personality or the personality of a fictional character in a book or film. For example: "Barry had a strong sense of character, always standing up for what he believed in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And there is no sense of character development.

The New York Times - Arts

He has a sense of character, or he would not know his job.

The New Yorker

"Her sense of place, her sense of character — it's just so strong".

The New York Times - Magazine

There is also the sense of character the sticks gave to the break.

The New York Times

It gives you a sense of character and identity that is very hard to give up.

The Guardian - Film

"She had an incredible sense of character and compassion," Derry said.

The New Yorker

What's sacrificed by the conceptual audacity is a sharp sense of character.

The New York Times

They lend a novelistic sense of character to Mr. Schlesinger's most enduring connections.

The New York Times - Books

The Choir of Clare College Cambridge sang with crisp articulation and a distinctive sense of character.

The New York Times - Arts

In six of George Rochberg's "Caprice" Variations she played with a sense of character.

The New York Times - Arts

We wanted a narrative, an evocation of the Edwardian period, and a sense of character.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of character" to describe the distinguishing qualities that make a person or place unique. For example, 'The old bookstore had a strong sense of character, with its creaking shelves and musty smell.'

Common error

Avoid using "sense of character" when you simply mean 'character traits'. "Sense of character" implies a broader, more holistic understanding or feeling about someone or something, not just a list of attributes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of character" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the overall impression or understanding of someone's personality or the distinctive qualities of a place or thing. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Arts

23%

Books

11%

Less common in

Wikipedia

3%

Huffington Post

6%

Travel

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of character" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English to describe the overall impression or understanding of someone’s personality or the distinctive qualities of a place or thing. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and finds common usage in news, arts, and book-related contexts. While semantically similar alternatives like "understanding of personality" or "perception of identity" exist, "sense of character" carries a unique connotation of holistic appreciation. When using this phrase, ensure you are referring to a broader understanding rather than just listing individual character traits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understanding of personality

This alternative emphasizes the comprehension of someone's personality traits.

perception of identity

This alternative focuses on how someone's identity is perceived or understood.

grasp of individuality

This highlights the understanding of unique individual qualities.

appreciation for disposition

This alternative focuses on valuing someone's inherent qualities and temperament.

awareness of nature

This emphasizes being conscious or informed about the essential qualities of a person.

recognition of attributes

Focuses on acknowledging and understanding specific qualities.

discernment of qualities

Highlights the ability to distinguish and understand individual traits.

insight into temperament

Emphasizes a deep understanding of someone's usual emotional state.

feel for personality

This alternative expresses an intuitive understanding of someone's character.

consciousness of essence

This alternative stresses being aware of the fundamental nature of someone.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of character" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of character" to describe someone's personality or the unique atmosphere of a place. For example, "The protagonist's strong sense of character made her relatable," or "The neighborhood retained its sense of character despite recent development."

What can I say instead of "sense of character"?

You can use alternatives like "understanding of personality", "perception of identity", or "grasp of individuality" depending on the context.

Is "sense of character" the same as "character traits"?

No, "sense of character" is not the same as "character traits". "Character traits" refers to specific qualities or attributes, while "sense of character" implies a broader understanding or feeling about someone or something's overall personality or atmosphere.

What contributes to a strong "sense of character" in storytelling?

A strong "sense of character" in storytelling is built through consistent actions, believable motivations, and a unique voice. These elements make a character feel real and relatable, enhancing the narrative's depth and impact.