 Brauer's characterization of characters

A complex class function $f$ on a finite group is a generalized character if and only if $f_E$ is a generalized character of every elementary subgroup. Equivalently, $⟨f_E,\alpha {⟩}_E\in \mathbb{Z}$ for every such $E$ and $\alpha \in \mathrm{Irr}(E)$. Ordinary characters additionally have nonnegative global irreducible multiplicities; integrality of the virtual-character lattice is the conclusion of this criterion.