significant character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a character in a story, film, or other narrative that plays an important role or has a notable impact on the plot or themes. Example: "In the novel, the protagonist is a significant character who drives the story forward with their decisions and actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

There simply isn't enough time for significant character development.

The New York Times

The latter, portrayed by Eric Bogosian, becomes a significant character in "Shot in the Heart".

The New York Times - Arts

Livesey divides her novel into four sections, each focused on a significant character.

The New York Times - Books

Children's position in their family their birth order was seen as determining significant character traits.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet Seth may be the most significant character in the book.

The New York Times - Books

"He has, I think, significant character," he said of Mr. Mistry.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Remember to include significant characters (i.e. Mickey Mouse), films, and techniques that emerged over time.

The New York Times

Other significant characters are Junior Tracy, B.O. Plenty, Gravel Gertie, Sparkle Plenty, policewoman Lizz, and Diet Smith.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The movie's message that honesty is the worst policy is stretched to accommodate all the significant characters.

The New York Times

The originals are augmented by culturally significant characters, from Amelia Earhart and Holden Caulfield to Richard Nixon and Maggie the Cat. GOOD FAITH.

The New York Times - Books

"The Street of a Thousand Blossoms" has epic ambitions — considerable scope, encompassing the years 1939-66; a multitude of significant characters; and recurring moments of tragedy and redemption.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing literature or film, use "significant character" to denote characters whose actions or traits heavily influence the plot or thematic elements. Be specific about why the character is significant.

Common error

Avoid labeling every character as "significant". Reserve this term for characters whose impact is truly substantial and demonstrable through textual evidence. Otherwise, consider weaker descriptors such as "minor", "supporting", or "secondary."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant character" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "significant" modifies the noun "character". As shown by Ludwig, the phrase commonly identifies a character of importance in a narrative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "significant character" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a character whose role in a narrative is essential and impactful. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Analysis of usage patterns reveals that it frequently appears in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific contexts. When writing about literature, film, or other narratives, remember that a "significant character" is not just any character; their actions and traits must demonstrably influence the plot or thematic elements. Alternatives such as "important character" or "key character" can provide variety while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

important character

Replaces "significant" with a more common synonym, maintaining the same meaning.

key character

Emphasizes the essential role of the character, similar to "significant character".

major character

Highlights the character's prominent position in the narrative.

central character

Focuses on the character's role as the core of the story.

principal character

Synonymous with "major character", indicating a leading role.

pivotal character

Stresses the character's influence on the plot's turning points.

influential character

Highlights the character's power to affect other characters and events.

consequential character

Highlights the character's impact and the results of their actions.

notable character

Indicates that the character is worthy of attention or recognition.

prominent character

Focuses on the character's visibility and importance.

FAQs

How do I determine if a character is a "significant character"?

A "significant character" typically influences the plot, themes, or other characters in a meaningful way. Look for characters whose actions have major consequences or who undergo substantial development.

What are some alternatives to "significant character"?

You can use alternatives like "important character", "key character", or "central character" to describe a character with a major role.

Is it appropriate to call an antagonist a "significant character"?

Yes, antagonists can be "significant characters" if they play a crucial role in driving the conflict or shaping the protagonist's journey. Their significance is determined by their impact on the story.

What's the difference between a "significant character" and a "main character"?

While main characters are often significant, not all "significant characters" are main characters. A "main character" is usually the focus of the story, while a "significant character" has a notable impact, even if they aren't the primary focus.