character

char|ac|ter [ `kerəktər ] noun ***

▸ 1 qualities of personality

▸ 2 what makes something different

▸ 3 morally good qualities

▸ 4 unusual person

▸ 5 someone in book, movie, etc.

▸ 6 someone's reputation

▸ 7 letter/number/symbol

1. ) count usually singular the qualities that make up someone's personality:

This stinginess with money was one aspect of Steve's character that I didn't like.

in/out of character (=typical/not typical of someone's usual behavior): I can't understand why Simon refused to help; it seems so out of character.

a ) singular the qualities that people from a particular place are believed to have:

He understood so much about our national character.

2. ) count or uncount the qualities that make something clearly different from anything else:

Each of his books has its own distinctive character.

The two towns are similar in size but very different in character.

character of: The house was not in keeping with the character of the surrounding area.

a ) a quality that makes something interesting or attractive:

a traditional inn with a lot of character and charm

3. ) uncount good personal qualities, especially the qualities of being brave and determined when doing something difficult:

She had to stand up and make a speech to 500 people, so it was quite a test of character.

The team showed real character in coming back from behind like that.

character-building (=helping to develop someone's character): the idea of competitive sport as a character-building activity

4. ) count a person of a particular type:

McMahon is one of the sport's most colorful characters.

a shady/suspicious/unsavory character

a reformed/changed character: Jake used to be pretty wild, but he's a reformed character now.

a ) INFORMAL someone with special qualities that make them different from most people and interesting to know:

She was quite a character, I can tell you.

a real character: You'd like Joe, he's a real character.

5. ) count a person in a book, play, movie, etc.:

The book has a solid plot and likable characters.

the main/central character: The movie's main character is played by George Clooney.

6. ) count or uncount someone's reputation, especially when this shows how honest or reliable they are:

Did she cast a slur on my character?

My client is a man of good character.

7. ) count a letter, number, or symbol that is written, printed, or used in computer programs:

The password may be up to 12 characters long.