Absurd characters embraced within a network (5)
I believe the answer is:
inane
'absurd' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
'embraced within a network' is the wordplay.
'embraced' indicates a hidden word.
'INANE' is hidden within 'within a network'.
'characters' acts as a link.
I am not very happy about this link. It may belong to another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for inane that I've seen before include "Fatuous, vacuous" , "Daft" , "Unintelligent" , "Stupid and silly" , "Moronic" .)