One-time rat transformed into model character? (10)

I believe the answer is:

marionette

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

'model character?' is the definition.
'marionette' can be an answer for 'model' (thesaurus). I am not certain of the 'character?' bit.

'one-time rat transformed' is the wordplay.
'transformed' is an anagram indicator.
'one'+'time'+'rat'='onetimerat'
'onetimerat' with letters rearranged gives 'MARIONETTE'.

'into' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for marionette that I've seen before include "Puppet on strings" , "being manipulated by others" , "one that needs stringing up" , "One has strings pulled" , "String puppet" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.