Character Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ญ
character
[หkรฆr.ษk.tษr ]
Definitions
in literature
A person in a novel, play, or movie.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| character |
Use 'character' when discussing someone's personality or moral qualities.
|
| personage |
Use 'personage' when discussing a person of importance or distinction, often in a somewhat formal or old-fashioned context.
|
| figure |
Use 'figure' when talking about a significant or notable person, especially in history, politics, or public life.
|
| persona |
Use 'persona' when referring to the aspect of someone's character that is presented to or perceived by others, often different from their true self.
|
Examples of usage
- The main character of the story is a young detective named Sherlock Holmes.
- She played the character of a strong and independent woman in the film.
personality traits
The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.
Synonyms
disposition, nature, personality.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| character |
In literary contexts, it describes a person in a story, play, or movie.
|
| personality |
Specifically highlights the unique aspects of an individualโs character that makes them distinctive. This includes traits, behaviors, emotions, and social tendencies.
|
| nature |
Describes the inherent or essential qualities of a person or thing, often focusing on basic instincts or behaviors.
|
| disposition |
Used to refer to a person's inherent qualities of mind and character, often in terms of mood or temperament. It tends to describe someone's natural or habitual attitudes.
|
Examples of usage
- She has a very strong and determined character.
- His kindness and generosity are part of his character.
symbol
A letter, number, or symbol used in writing or printing.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| character |
This is used again here because 'character' can very commonly refer to a fictional person in a story, movie, play, or book.
|
| symbol |
Used to describe an object or image that represents an idea, concept, or relationship, usually more abstract and deeper in meaning.
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| sign |
Refers to an object, quality, or event whose presence or occurrence indicates the probable presence or occurrence of something else. It can also mean a publicly displayed board or symbol providing information or instructions.
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| mark |
Used to refer to a small area of damage, a line, dot, or figure that stands out on a surface. It can also metaphorically mean 'achievement' or 'impact'.
|
Examples of usage
- The password should include at least one special character.
- The asterisk (*) is a commonly used character in computer programming.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Complex characters often display growth or change, a feature known as 'character development', which keeps readers engaged.
- Famous literary characters, like Sherlock Holmes and Elizabeth Bennet, have become cultural icons, influencing countless adaptations and retellings.
Psychology
- Character traits refer to the consistent pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in individuals, playing a crucial role in personality assessments.
- The study of character traits involves understanding how they influence relationships and interactions with others.
Pop Culture
- In video games, characters have unique abilities and stories, enhancing player engagement and emotional investment.
- Animated superheroes like Spider-Man have complex backgrounds that resonate with audiences, making their stories relatable and impactful.
Educational Insights
- Teaching character education emphasizes developing social-emotional skills, encouraging traits like empathy, responsibility, and resilience.
- Many school programs incorporate character-building activities, fostering a sense of community and ethical behavior among students.
Origin of 'character'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek word 'kharaktฤr', meaning 'a mark' or 'engraving', highlighting how characters leave their mark in stories.
- In Latin, 'character' referred to a distinctive mark, which laid the foundation for its modern usage relating to personality and roles.
The word 'character' originated from the Greek word 'kharaktฤr' which meant an engraved mark or a distinctive trait. Over time, it evolved to represent the mental and moral qualities of an individual. In literature, characters play a crucial role in storytelling, representing a wide range of personalities and traits.
See also: characteristic, characteristically, characteristics, characterizable, characterization, characterize, characters, uncharacteristically.