Crossword Genius

Worldly character in science fiction (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

earthman

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

'worldly character' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'science fiction' is the wordplay.
'science' becomes 'earth science' (earth science is a kind of science).
'fiction' becomes 'man' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'earth'+'man'='EARTHMAN'

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for earthman that I've seen is " Human (sci-fi)".)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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