What does the cryptic crossword clue "One helps out leading characters (6)" mean?

The definition is "characters". The wordplay uses acrostic. anagram of HELPS (synonym="HELPS") + A (synonym="one") = ALEPHS The answer is ALEPHS.

One helps out leading characters (6)

Guardian Cryptic #29497 | 20 Across | 2024-09-25 flower