Character landed in wharf (7)
I believe the answer is:
quality
'character' is the definition.
('quality' can be a synonym of 'character')
'landed in wharf' is the wordplay.
'landed' becomes 'lit' (I've seen this in other clues).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'wharf' becomes 'quay' (quay is a kind of wharf).
'lit' inserted inside 'quay' is 'QUALITY'.
(Other definitions for quality that I've seen before include "Standard or grade" , "Calibre" , "General excellence" , "Degree of excellence" , "Timbre" .)