1.A distinctive mark; a letter, figure, or symbol. "It were much to be wished that there were throughout the world but one sort of character for each letter to express it to the eye."
2.Style of writing or printing; handwriting; the peculiar form of letters used by a particular person or people; as, an inscription in the Runic character. "You know the character to be your brother's?"
3.The peculiar quality, or the sum of qualities, by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others; the stamp impressed by nature, education, or habit; that which a person or thing really is; nature; disposition. "The character or that dominion." "Know well each Ancient's proper character; His fable, subject, scope in every page; Religion, Country, genius of his Age." "A man of... thoroughly subservient character."
4.Strength of mind; resolution; independence; individuality; as, he has a great deal of character.
5.Moral quality; the principles and motives that control the life; as, a man of character; his character saves him from suspicion.
6.Quality, position, rank, or capacity; quality or conduct with respect to a certain office or duty; as, in the miserable character of a slave; in his character as a magistrate; her character as a daughter.
7.The estimate, individual or general, put upon a person or thing; reputation; as, a man's character for truth and veracity; to give one a bad character. "This subterraneous passage is much mended since Seneca gave so bad a character of it."
8.A written statement as to behavior, competency, etc., given to a servant. (Colloq.)
9.A unique or extraordinary individuality; a person characterized by peculiar or notable traits; a person who illustrates certain phases of character; as, Randolph was a character; Caesar is a great historical character.
10.One of the persons of a drama or novel. Note: "It would be well if character and reputation were used distinctively. In truth, character is what a person is; reputation is what he is supposed to be. Character is in himself, reputation is in the minds of others. Character is injured by temptations, and by wrongdoing; reputation by slanders, and libels. Character endures throughout defamation in every form, but perishes when there is a voluntary transgression; reputation may last through numerous transgressions, but be destroyed by a single, and even an unfounded, accusation or aspersion."
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