What does the cryptic crossword clue "Dramatic character, Lear, tentatively put back (7)" mean?

The wordplay uses a reversal. anagram of LEAR (synonym="LEAR") + SET (synonym="to put") = LAERTES The answer is LAERTES.

Dramatic character, Lear, tentatively put back (7)

Guardian Cryptic #29598 | 27 Across | 2025-01-22 flower