wicked character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wicked character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is morally bad or evil, often in a literary or dramatic context. Example: "The villain in the story was a wicked character, delighting in the suffering of others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He was "a degenerate boy from a bad family" who had inherited a wicked character.

The Guardian - Books

In an open dialogue with the work of Lindblom and Simon, Melvin Webber introduced the idea of planning as a process which is intrinsically interactive and conflictual, emphasizing the partisan role of experts, the value of the ordinary knowledge, the "wicked" character of planning problems compared with the "tamed" problems of natural science and engineering.

City, Territory and Architecture

A wicked character shows up and that encourages the child to sort out and focus their internal angers externally and more appropriately than he or she might otherwise.

Huffington Post

I found Thompson's interpretation of her Wicked character to be decidedly different that her predecessor Kristin Chenoweth -- much quirkier and goofier, which I thought worked very well given the age of the character.

Huffington Post

I'm proud to say I don't find him to be a particularly relatable individual for me, but it's terribly fun to play such a wicked character!" Set in three sweeping acts, Le Corsaire is both regal and explosive.

Huffington Post

I love a great wicked character because they come with baggage of their own and a past that defines them, and discovering what that past is can sometimes be the most intriguing part of a story.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But the Duke has other worries, specifically the Todal, a creature which devours wicked characters who haven't been as wicked as they could have been.

The Guardian - Books

For one thing, the lines between good and evil are muddy and shifting, so that the most wicked characters are capable of startling acts of heroism and sacrifice.

The New York Times - Books

Still, there's plenty of time for the show to recover its stride, and turn one of its many merely wicked characters, into a master villain truly worth watching.

Vice

GameZone's Michael Knutson opined that he was a "wicked cool character", and Game Revolution's Johnny Liu named him a "great anti-hero".

Wikipedia

A louche, slightly wicked-looking character, he thought, like someone from a Toulouse-Lautrec painting or a member of the Rolling Stones, perhaps Brian Jones, in their Victorian-dress period.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In non-fiction writing, use "wicked character" to describe individuals whose actions have had demonstrably negative impacts on others or society. Ensure you provide evidence to support this characterization.

Common error

Avoid labeling real individuals as a "wicked character" without substantial evidence. This can lead to accusations of defamation and undermine your credibility. Focus on describing actions and behaviors rather than making sweeping judgments about their character.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wicked character" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes an individual with morally reprehensible qualities. As shown by Ludwig, it's often used in literary contexts to identify antagonists or villains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wicked character" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone with morally reprehensible qualities. As highlighted by Ludwig, it frequently appears in news, media, and encyclopedic sources, often to depict antagonists or villains in narratives. While the phrase is generally used neutrally, its directness can convey strong negative emotions. When using "wicked character", ensure your usage is supported by evidence, especially in non-fiction contexts, to avoid undermining your credibility. Related alternatives include "malicious character" and "bad character", offering subtle variations in intensity. These observations align with Ludwig's AI analysis, reinforcing its validity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

malicious character

Replaces "wicked" with "malicious", emphasizing intent to cause harm.

villainous character

Synonymous replacement suited for the purpose to call out the evil side of a fictional person.

bad character

Uses a more general term "bad" instead of "wicked", making it less intense.

nefarious person

Emphasizes the wickedness as something unlawful and immoral.

evil persona

Replaces "character" with "persona", focusing on the outward presentation of evil.

malevolent figure

Substitutes "wicked character" with "malevolent figure", highlighting the person's harmful influence.

immoral individual

Replaces both words with synonyms, focusing on the lack of morality.

unprincipled individual

Replacing "wicked" with "unprincipled" focuses on the lack of moral principles.

corrupt person

Emphasizes the corruption of the character rather than inherent wickedness.

deplorable type

Uses informal language to describe someone deserving strong condemnation.

FAQs

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

You can use "wicked character" to describe someone morally bad or evil. For example: "The protagonist had to overcome the challenges presented by the "wicked character" in the story."

What's a less intense way to describe a "wicked character"?

If you want to tone down the description, consider using phrases like "bad character" or "flawed character". These alternatives suggest moral shortcomings without implying extreme evil.

What are some synonyms for "wicked character" in literature?

Synonyms include "villain", "antagonist", or "evil persona". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "wicked character" always used in a negative context?

Yes, "wicked character" inherently carries a negative connotation, suggesting someone who is morally reprehensible or evil. There are no common neutral or positive uses of this phrase.