The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word BUMBLE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
B
U
M
B
L
E
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Appear clumsy/Appear clumsy/Dickens character/Dickens character" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case appear clumsy/appear clumsy/dickens character/dickens character = bumble.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does BUMBLE mean?
BUMBLE noun- A confusion; a jumble.
- To act in an inept, clumsy or inexpert manner; to make mistakes.
- A bumble-bee.
- The bittern.
- To boom, as a bittern; to buzz, as a fly.