the character is based on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the character is based on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the inspiration or source material for a character in literature, film, or other forms of storytelling. Example: "The character is based on a real-life historical figure who fought for civil rights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The character is based on the real-life White House butler Eugene Allen, who served eight presidents between 1952 and his retirement in 1986.

The Guardian - Film

(The character is based on Georges Simenon).

The New Yorker

The character is based on Dr. Jerome Groopman, a Boston physician who chronicled his clinical experiences in the 1997 book "The Measure of Our Days".

The New York Times - Arts

But the character is based on that famous picture of WH Auden with a cigarette: his face is so wrinkled, and that, really, was the starting point.

The Guardian - Books

If Geller is proved right and the character is based on him, even if by carelessness or accident, he could be due vast damages from Nintendo.

The Guardian

George's career arc overlaps with Sandler's, so part of the fascination of the movie is speculating how much of the character is based on Sandler, how much not.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The character was based on one of producer Dean Devlin's uncles.

Wikipedia

"That is what we thought the character was based on until, twenty years later, we were accused of being nasty about people with bad eyesight," he said.

The New Yorker

(In our conversation, Nava told me the character was based on his friend Richard Rouilard, who edited the Advocate in the early nineties and died of AIDS in 1996).

The New Yorker

The character was based on the real-life debater, Henry Heights.

Wikipedia

The character was based on McNeile himself, on his friend Gerard Fairlie and on English gentlemen generally.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider whether "inspired by" or "modeled after" might be more appropriate depending on the extent of the character's resemblance to its source.

Common error

Avoid using "the character is based on" without providing specific details about what the character is based on. For example, instead of saying "The character is based on a real person", specify who that person is and what aspects of their life influenced the character's development.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the character is based on" functions as a descriptor, specifying the origin or inspiration for a fictional character. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in different types of sources. The structure indicates a direct connection or influence from the source material to the character's traits or story.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

28%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the character is based on" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe the inspiration or origin of a fictional character. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, with a strong presence in News & Media and Wiki articles. The phrase serves to provide context and understanding, helping audiences connect the character to real-life figures, historical events, or other works of fiction. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, ensuring clarity about the source of inspiration is crucial for effective communication. Using alternative phrases like "the character is inspired by" or "the character is modeled after" can fine-tune the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the character draws inspiration from

Emphasizes the character's traits are inspired, rather than directly copied, from something else.

the character is inspired by

Highlights the source of inspiration for the character, often suggesting a more emotional or artistic connection.

the character takes its cue from

Suggests the character is subtly influenced or guided by something.

the character is modeled after

Implies a deliberate and careful replication of specific qualities of the source.

the character is a fictionalization of

Highlights that it is an adapted, non-factual, representation.

the character is derived from

Indicates the character's origins can be traced back to a source.

the character is a representation of

Suggests that the character embodies or symbolizes something.

the character is an adaptation of

Highlights the character is adapted from another work.

the character echoes

Suggests the character shares significant similarities with another existing one.

the character is reminiscent of

Implies a similarity that brings the source to mind, but might not be a direct inspiration.

FAQs

How do I use "the character is based on" in a sentence?

Use "the character is based on" to indicate that a fictional character is derived from a real person, historical figure, or another fictional character. For example, "The character is based on the real-life White House butler Eugene Allen".

What's the difference between "the character is based on" and "the character is inspired by"?

"The character is based on" suggests a direct connection and resemblance to the source material, while "the character is inspired by" ("the character is inspired by") indicates a more general influence or thematic connection.

Which is correct, "the character is based on" or "the character bases on"?

"The character is based on" is the correct and grammatically sound phrase. "The character bases on" is not standard English.

What can I say instead of "the character is based on"?

You can use alternatives like "the character draws inspiration from" ("the character draws inspiration from"), "the character is modeled after", or "the character is derived from" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.