Crossword Genius

A shelter of character (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gamp

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

'a shelter' is the definition.
(gamp is a kind of shelter)

'character' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'character' could be 'p' and 'p' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'gam' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gamp that I've seen before include "Waterproof cover" , "Umbrella (from Dickens character)" , "Midwife" , "Umbrella (inf)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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