Crossword Genius

He betrays a characteristic alternative (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

traitor

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'he betrays a' is the definition.
The answer is a person as well as being a singular noun. This is suggested by the definition.

'characteristic alternative' is the wordplay.
'characteristic' becomes 'trait' (a trait is a quality or characteristic).
'alternative' becomes 'or'.
'trait'+'or'='TRAITOR'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for traitor that I've seen before include "Rat displayed" , "Unreliable type" , "Someone guilty of treason" , "Judas" , "Treasonous individual" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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