Rod reported character at start of quarrel (3)
I believe the answer is:
cue
'rod' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'character at start of quarrel' is the wordplay.
'character' becomes 'e'.
'at' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other) (I've seen this in other clues).
'start of quarrel' becomes 'cu' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'e' after 'cu' is 'CUE'.
'reported' is the link.
I am not very happy about this link. It may be part of another bit of the clue.
(Other definitions for cue that I've seen before include "Sporting rod" , "line in speech" , "Sign" , "A snooker ball striker" , "Catchword" .)