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.