Writer in film cuts tirade characterising guilt-ridden criminal? (9)
I believe the answer is:
repentant
'guilt-ridden criminal?' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'writer in film cuts tirade' is the wordplay.
'writer' becomes 'pen' (something which writes).
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'film' becomes 'ET' (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial).
'cuts' is an insertion indicator (some letters cut their way into other letters).
'tirade' becomes 'rant' (both can mean an angry outburst).
'pen' placed within 'et' is 'epent'.
'epent' going inside 'rant' is 'REPENTANT'.
'characterising' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for repentant that I've seen before include "Feeling remorse for misdeeds" , "sorry state" , "showing contrition" , "Contrite" , "Regretful" .)