What Is Character?

Dictionary Definition of Character

One dictionary defines character, in the sense we are considering here, as "the complex of mental and ethical traits marking a person." In another dictionary, character is said to be "the stable and distinctive qualities built into an individual's life which determine his or her response regardless of circumstances."

Our Character Is Who We Are

Abraham Lincoln said, "Reputation is the shadow. Character is the tree." Our character is not just what we try to display for others to see, it is who we are even when no one is watching. Good character is doing the right thing because it is right to do what is right.

Everyone Has Character

Character transcends race, religion, education, position, age, gender, and personality. People sometimes think of character as something a person either has or doesn't have. They say, "He has character," meaning he has good character. We recognize the truth that everyone has "character" and we distinguish between "good" and "bad" character.

Our Character Determines Our Responses

The definitions above said, character is a "complex of mental and ethical traits" and those traits, or qualities, are "built into an individual's life." It is those qualities, those character traits, that determine a person's response in any given situation.