A bad character (5)
I believe the answer is:
fagin
'a bad character' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'a bad character' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'a' is within the answer.
'character' could be 'n' and 'n' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for fagin that I've seen before include "Gang-leader" , "Thief" , "Dickens villain" , "Oliver Twist villain" , "Organiser of dips" .)