Character almost went astray in The Borders? (8)

I believe the answer is:

parterre

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'in the borders?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'character almost went astray' is the wordplay.
'character' becomes 'part' (a part in a play).
'almost' means to remove the last letter (almost the whole word is kept).
'went astray' becomes 'erred' (I've seen this in another clue).
'erred' with its final letter taken away is 'erre'.
'part'+'erre'='PARTERRE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for parterre that I've seen before include "Formal garden feature" , "Formal garden - pit in theatre" , "Ornamental arrangement of flower beds and paths -- rarer pet (anag)" , "Part of the main floor of a threatre" , "Seating on the main floor of a theatre" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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