Comic character, one of five joining race around lake (9)
I believe the answer is:
harlequin
'comic' is the definition.
(I know that harlequin is a type of clown)
'character one of five joining race around lake' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'character' could be 'u' and 'u' is found in the answer.
'one' could be 'i' (Roman numeral) and 'i' is found within the answer.
'lake' could be 'l' (geographical abbreviation) and 'l' is found within the answer.
'race' could be 'hare' (hare can mean to run fast) and 'hare' is located in the remaining letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for harlequin that I've seen before include "Foppish lover of Columbine" , "Commedia dell'arte clown" , "Northern duck" , "Entertainer in diamond-patterned clothing" , "Character in a diamond-patterned costume - variegated" .)