French writer switching characters shows courage (5)
I believe the answer is:
nerve
'courage' is the definition.
(I know that nerve is a type of courage)
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for nerve that I've seen before include "displaying self-possession" , "Bundle of fibres < in face" , "Fibre that transmits instructions to the brain" , "Dangerous type of gas" , "Coolness under fire" .)