character
n. C / Un. a person in a book, movie, or play. It can also mean the qualities that make a person or place different from others.
n. a person represented in a fictional work; also the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. In a technical sense, it refers to a printed or written letter, symbol, or digit.
My favorite character in the movie is the hero.
The author spent several chapters developing the main character's backstory to explain her current motivations.
While the protagonist is well-written, the secondary characters lack the depth necessary to make the interpersonal conflicts feel truly high-stakes.
From Middle English caracter, from Old French caractere, from Latin character, from Ancient Greek χαρακτήρ (kharaktḗr, “type, nature, character”), from χαράσσω (kharássō, “to engrave”). Doublet of charakter.
Countable when referring to people in fiction or symbols; both countable and uncountable when referring to personality traits.
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build character
To improve a person's character by developing personality traits such as resilience or responsibility.
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character assassination
A malicious discourse designed to damage the reputation of someone.
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in character
Consistent with one's personality, or the typical behavior one is known for.