Fictional character likely to be first in identity parade? (7)
I believe the answer is:
persona
'identity parade?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.
'fictional character likely to be first' is the wordplay.
'fictional character' becomes 'pers' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'likely' becomes 'on' (I've seen this in other clues).
'to be first' becomes 'a' (first letter of the alphabet).
'pers'+'on'+'a'='PERSONA'
'in' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for persona that I've seen before include "No pears (anag.)" , "External aspect of character" , "Public image" , "Theatrical role" , "Assumed identity" .)