Character Meaning
Character Definition & Usage
The combination of qualities or traits that distinguish one person or thing from another, especially those related to moral strength, integrity, and behavior.
Examples
- "Her kindness and honesty are the most admirable parts of her character."
- "The character of a leader is often revealed in times of crisis."
- "He has a strong character, always standing up for what he believes is right."
- "The character of the city is shaped by its history and the people who live there."
- "Despite his tough exterior, his true character is gentle and caring."
A person or figure in a story, novel, play, or other literary work.
Examples
- "The protagonist's character undergoes significant development throughout the novel."
- "Shakespeare's characters are known for their depth and complexity."
- "In the movie, the villain's character is portrayed with surprising vulnerability."
- "The author created a character who could easily be seen as both hero and anti-hero."
- "Her character in the play was both tragic and inspiring."
A symbol or letter used in writing or printing, especially in the context of typefaces and typography.
Examples
- "The font features several unique characters to set it apart from others."
- "When typing in different languages, the keyboard switches to accommodate various characters."
- "The code uses special characters to represent certain commands."
- "Each character in the sentence has been carefully spaced for optimal readability."
- "Typographers pay attention to the smallest details in each character to ensure clarity."
A unit of information or data in computing, typically representing a letter, number, or symbol.
Examples
- "The program can only accept a maximum of 256 characters in a single input field."
- "Each character in the password must be unique and complex."
- "The file size is calculated by the number of characters it contains."
- "In a string of text, each character is treated as an individual entity."
- "To process the data efficiently, the algorithm needs to analyze each character one by one."
Cultural Context
The word 'character' has a rich history, originating from the Greek word 'kharaktēr', meaning 'a mark' or 'distinctive feature'. It was later adopted into Latin and Old French before entering English. Over time, the word evolved to encompass both moral traits and representations in literature and art. In modern usage, it spans a variety of contexts, from personality to technical applications in computing.
The Shadow of a Character
Story
The Shadow of a Character
Amelia had always prided herself on her character. Her friends often called her a beacon of kindness, a person who could always be relied upon to lend a hand or offer sound advice. It wasn’t just her actions that shaped her reputation, but her unwavering moral compass, which never wavered even in the most trying times. One evening, while hosting a gathering, Amelia’s old friend Sarah joined the party. Sarah had changed over the years, now exuding a more cynical and sharp persona. She walked in with a smirk that didn’t quite reach her eyes, immediately drawing attention in the room. Amelia couldn’t help but notice how Sarah’s character had transformed. While they used to share deep, philosophical conversations, now Sarah’s words seemed almost to cut through the air with an edge of sarcasm. As the night wore on, Sarah pulled Amelia aside, leaning in close. “You’ve always been the perfect example of character, haven’t you? Always doing what’s right, always holding yourself up on this pedestal,” she remarked with a bitter laugh. Amelia felt the sting of Sarah’s words but maintained her calm composure. “I don’t do it for anyone’s approval, Sarah. It’s just who I am,” Amelia replied gently. She understood the weight of character in that moment—not just as a moral force but also as a defining element of how people perceived her. Later that evening, they all gathered around for a reading of an old play. Amelia was struck by how the characters in the story mirrored the very conversation she had with Sarah. The protagonist, much like Sarah, struggled with the loss of innocence and the shift in character over time. Amelia reflected on her own life, realizing that while her character was steady and true, others around her were still on their journeys of transformation. It wasn’t just about having a 'good' character—it was about the depth, the complexity, and the ability to change without losing one’s true essence. Amelia knew her own path, but she couldn’t help but wonder what paths Sarah would take. Could she find a way to reconcile her cynical character with the person she once was? As the night ended, Amelia’s thoughts lingered on the power of character—whether in people or in the fictional worlds of stories—how it shaped everything and everyone it touched.
Related Words
