solid characters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "solid characters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe characters in a story or narrative that are well-developed, believable, and have depth. Example: "The novel is praised for its solid characters, each with their own unique backstory and motivations that drive the plot forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

We had some real solid characters to point us in the right direction".

The Guardian - Sport

Solid characters emerge as well from "Late Night in the Women's Restroom of the Jungle Bar" by David Riedy.

The New York Times

AT first glance, "Cars" seems like a perfect antidote to this: a big hit with solid characters, an evocative folksy locale and plenty of merchandising possibilities.

The New York Times - Travel

But Pearson was already a veteran actor on stage and screen, often taking middle-class, "respectable" roles as detectives, MPs, vicars and doctors – and was adept at showing the vulnerability of such apparently "solid" characters.

Independent

All the actors work hard — too hard, often overheating — to break through the hokey dialogue and create solid characters, struggling against the tendency of Wong's camera to soften them up and mix them into the décor.

The New Yorker

Despite the constructed quality of his fiction, Pletzinger insists it's the novelist's job to write solid characters, and suggests that the reality of his characters is why he "wrote this book and told their stories".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"The one thing this lad has got is a solid, strong character".

BBC

"He's got a great heart, a solid character, an adventurous spirit and a cute accent".

The New York Times - Style

"He is a solid character around the group and one of the most determined guys I've ever played with.

The Guardian - Sport

He had also, up until "Airplane!," been a sober and solid character actor, mostly on television, sometimes playing heavies, sometimes figures of bland authority.

The New York Times

Smith was required to perform a number of household chores, and Sellers screened his friends, making sure they were of solid character.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "solid characters" in literary analysis when emphasizing the realness, complexity and realism of characters. The expression helps to emphasize both good and bad traits of characters.

Common error

Avoid using "solid characters" as a generic compliment. Instead, specify what makes the characters solid. For example, instead of saying "The book has solid characters", say "The book features well-developed characters with believable motivations and consistent actions."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "solid characters" functions primarily as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It typically serves to describe the quality of characters in a narrative, emphasizing their well-developed and reliable nature, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "solid characters" is a noun phrase used to describe characters that are well-developed and reliable. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in the context of book reviews, film analysis or general writing. While the frequency of "solid characters" is uncommon, it's very useful to add emphasis and details when talking about character's deepness, realness and complexity. When using "solid characters", ensure it clearly communicates the character traits you want to emphasize, and consider using related phrases like "well-developed characters" to add variety to your writing. Avoid using it as an empty complement, but use it in writing to talk about realness, complexity, and realism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-developed characters

Focuses on the level of detail and complexity in the character's background and personality.

strong characters

Emphasizes the resilience and impactful nature of the characters.

reliable characters

Highlights the trustworthiness and dependability of the characters.

dependable characters

Similar to reliable, this emphasizes the consistent nature of the characters.

stable characters

Implies the characters are consistent and predictable in their actions and motivations.

consistent characters

Similar to stable, emphasizing a lack of contradictory traits.

robust characters

Highlights the strength and resilience, but also the complexity, of the characters.

enduring characters

Focuses on the lasting impact and memorability of the characters.

substantial characters

Emphasizes the depth and meaningfulness of the characters' roles.

well-rounded characters

Implies the characters have a variety of traits and motivations, making them believable.

FAQs

How can I use "solid characters" in a sentence?

You can use "solid characters" to describe characters in a story or narrative that are well-developed, believable, and have depth. For example: "The novel is praised for its "solid characters", each with their own unique backstory and motivations that drive the plot forward."

What are some alternatives to "solid characters"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "well-developed characters", "strong characters", or "reliable characters".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "solid characters"?

The phrase "solid characters" is appropriate in contexts such as book reviews, film analyses, and discussions about character development in creative writing. It's less common in scientific or formal business contexts.

How does using "solid characters" differ from saying "likable characters"?

"Solid characters" focuses on the depth, consistency, and realism of the characters, while "likable characters" emphasizes their pleasantness and ability to appeal to the audience. A character can be solid without being likable, and vice versa.