What does character mean?
Character refers to the collection of moral and mental qualities that define who a person is — their honesty, courage, self-discipline, and sense of right and wrong. When we praise someone's character, we are judging not their talents or achievements but the ethical core beneath them. The word has several other important senses: it denotes a person portrayed in a story, play, or film ('a memorable character'), a letter or symbol used in writing and computing, and informally, an amusingly eccentric individual ('he's quite a character'). It can also mean good reputation, as when someone vouches for another's character. Derived from a Greek word for an engraver's stamp or tool, the term suggests that character is something carved into us over time by our choices and habits. This metaphor gives the word lasting resonance: character is widely seen not as fixed at birth but as built gradually through repeated action, which is why phrases like 'strength of character' remain central to how we talk about trustworthiness and integrity.
The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual, especially regarding integrity and reliability.
"She showed remarkable character by telling the truth despite the consequences."
Often carries a positive connotation of moral strength.
A person represented in a novel, play, film, or other narrative work.
"The playwright created a villain whose motives feel disturbingly human."
A letter, digit, punctuation mark, or other symbol used in writing, typing, or computing.
"Passwords should be at least twelve characters long."
An interesting or amusingly eccentric person (informal).
"Uncle Joe was quite a character — always full of wild stories."
Informal register.
Used both for multiple fictional figures and for multiple letters or symbols in text.
"The film follows two characters whose lives unexpectedly intersect."
The word 'character' comes from the Greek for an engraving tool — meaning your character is literally what has been carved into you.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of character
The English word 'character' derives from the Greek 'kharaktēr', meaning an instrument for engraving or a stamped mark, from 'kharassein', to sharpen or engrave. It passed into Latin as 'character' and entered English via Old French in the Middle Ages, originally referring to a distinctive mark or symbol before extending to a person's distinguishing qualities. Cognates and derivatives sharing this Greek root include 'characteristic', 'characterize', and 'charisma'.
Related word forms
How character is actually used
In everyday use, 'character' often carries a positive connotation of moral strength — saying someone 'has character' implies integrity and backbone. In informal speech, calling someone 'a character' means they are amusingly eccentric. The plural 'characters' is common for both people in fiction and typographic symbols.
Easily confused with character
A characteristic is a single distinctive feature or quality, while character refers to the whole combination of traits that makes up a person's moral nature or identity.