Crossword Genius

Strange character shrouding centre of city (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

loon

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

'strange character' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'shrouding centre of city' is the wordplay.
'shrouding' becomes 'l' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'centre of' means to look at the middle letters.
'city' becomes 'poona' (I have seen 'city of India' mean 'poona' so perhaps 'city' could also mean 'poona').
The middle of 'poona' is 'oon'.
'l'+'oon'='LOON'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for loon that I've seen before include "Fool" , "Diving bird with wild cry - sounds crazy" , "N American diving bird" , "Fish-eating diving bird" , "Simple-minded person" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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