A practical view of things makes the surrealist charismatic, in essence (7)

I believe the answer is:

realism

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'a practical view of' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'makes the surrealist charismatic in essence' is the wordplay.
'makes the surrealist' becomes 'real' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'in essence' says to take the centre.
The middle of 'charismatic' is 'ism'.
'real'+'ism'='REALISM'

'things' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for realism that I've seen before include "Practical approach" , "Pragmatism" , "19th-century French artistic movement -- mailers (anag)" , "Practical quality" , "Actuality" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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