Enlisted revolutionary when I deported some characters (5,2)
I believe the answer is:
roped in
'enlisted' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'revolutionary when i deported some characters' is the wordplay.
'revolutionary' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'some characters' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (some letters or characters from the clue).
'nidepor' is hidden in the letters of 'when i deported'.
'nidepor' back-to-front is 'ROPED IN'.
(Other definitions for roped in that I've seen before include "like boxers after entering the ring?" , "Unwillingly involved in" , "reluctantly enlisted" , "Obliged to participate" , "Persuaded to join" .)