Crossword Genius

Eponymous, novel character (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

kipps

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

'eponymous novel' is the definition.
'kipps' can be an answer for 'novel' (I've seen this before). I am unsure of the 'eponymous' bit.

'character' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'character' could be 's' and 's' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'kipp' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for kipps that I've seen before include "Draper's apprentice" , "novel" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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