In character

adverb

Doing something that matches your usual behaviour or nature.

His angry response was completely in character.
Visual representation of "in character" - Doing something that matches your usual behaviour or nature

Often appears as...

  • act in character
  • be in character
adverb

In a way that matches the personality or role of the character someone is portraying.

Even off stage, the actor remained in character.
Visual representation of "in character" - In a way that matches the personality or role of the character someone is portraying

Often appears as...

  • stay in character
  • perform in character

Usage tips

Approving

adverb

Doing something that matches your usual behaviour or nature.

His angry response was completely in character.
Visual representation of "in character" - Doing something that matches your usual behaviour or nature

Often appears as...

  • act in character
  • be in character
adverb

In a way that matches the personality or role of the character someone is portraying.

Even off stage, the actor remained in character.
Visual representation of "in character" - In a way that matches the personality or role of the character someone is portraying

Often appears as...

  • stay in character
  • perform in character

Usage tips

Approving

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "in character"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Predictable Behavior

Use 'in character' when someone's actions align with their established traits or history.

Illustration for Predictable Behavior
My sister's excitement about the science fair was in character.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Sudden Contrast

Highlight a surprise by contrasting actions that are not 'in character' for someone.

Illustration for Sudden Contrast
He helped with the dishes? That's not in character for him.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Analyzing Actions

Discuss or judge why someone did something by looking at whether it was 'in character'.

Illustration for Analyzing Actions
Her donation was in character, given her past generosity.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Predictable Behavior

Use 'in character' when someone's actions align with their established traits or history.

Illustration for Predictable Behavior
My sister's excitement about the science fair was in character.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Sudden Contrast

Highlight a surprise by contrasting actions that are not 'in character' for someone.

Illustration for Sudden Contrast
He helped with the dishes? That's not in character for him.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Analyzing Actions

Discuss or judge why someone did something by looking at whether it was 'in character'.

Illustration for Analyzing Actions
Her donation was in character, given her past generosity.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Predictable Behavior

Use 'in character' when someone's actions align with their established traits or history.

Illustration for Predictable Behavior
My sister's excitement about the science fair was in character.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Sudden Contrast

Highlight a surprise by contrasting actions that are not 'in character' for someone.

Illustration for Sudden Contrast
He helped with the dishes? That's not in character for him.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Analyzing Actions

Discuss or judge why someone did something by looking at whether it was 'in character'.

Illustration for Analyzing Actions
Her donation was in character, given her past generosity.
Visual representation of the word "In character"

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