Opera character rapidly going round the bend (5)

I believe the answer is:

faust

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

'opera character' is the definition.
'Faust' can be an answer for 'character' (Faust is an example). I am unsure of the 'opera' bit.

'rapidly going round the bend' is the wordplay.
'rapidly' becomes 'fast' ('fast' can be a synonym of 'rapidly').
'going round' indicates putting letters inside.
'the bend' becomes 'u' (a U-bend is a kind of bend - pipe under sink).
'fast' enclosing 'u' is 'FAUST'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for faust that I've seen before include "1 28 [EPIC POEM]" , "Cautionary tale" , "Goethe play" , "Tragic figure" , "Alchemist" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.