Communist chief is a colourful character? (7)
I believe the answer is:
redhead
'a colourful character?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'communist chief' is the wordplay.
'communist' becomes 'red' (red can informally mean communist).
'chief' becomes 'head' (synonyms).
'red'+'head'='REDHEAD'
'is' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for redhead that I've seen before include "Auburn-haired person" , "One with distinctive hair" , "'Carrot top'" , "Auburn type" , "Bluey" .)