Character: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'character' when discussing someone's personality or moral qualities.

• She has a strong character and always tells the truth.
• His character was tested during the crisis.

Use 'personage' when discussing a person of importance or distinction, often in a somewhat formal or old-fashioned context.

• The play features several historical personages.
• He met many important personages during the event.

Use 'figure' when talking about a significant or notable person, especially in history, politics, or public life.

• Martin Luther King Jr. is an important figure in American history.
• He is a leading figure in the scientific community.

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.

• She created a confident persona to succeed in her career.
• His public persona is very different from who he is at home.

In literary contexts, it describes a person in a story, play, or movie.

• The main character in the novel is a brave young girl.
• He plays the character of a detective in the series.

Specifically highlights the unique aspects of an individual’s character that makes them distinctive. This includes traits, behaviors, emotions, and social tendencies.

• He has a very outgoing personality, always making friends easily.
• Her bubbly personality lights up any room she enters.

Describes the inherent or essential qualities of a person or thing, often focusing on basic instincts or behaviors.

• It's in her nature to be kind and generous.
• The book explores the nature of human relationships.

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.

• She has a cheerful disposition, always looking on the bright side.
• His calm disposition made him a great leader in stressful situations.

This is used again here because 'character' can very commonly refer to a fictional person in a story, movie, play, or book.

• Harry Potter is a beloved character in children's literature

Used to describe an object or image that represents an idea, concept, or relationship, usually more abstract and deeper in meaning.

• The dove is a symbol of peace
• The dollar sign ($) represents currency

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.

• Dark clouds are a sign of upcoming rain
• The stop sign at the corner is missing

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'.

• There is a stain mark on my shirt
• He left a mark on history with his groundbreaking research