The term “character” is widely used in both our daily conversations and academic fields, reflecting much about a person’s behavioural attributes and psychological traits. But before jumping into its deeper implications, let’s first comprehend its basic definition.
The Basic Definition
In general language, the word ‘character’ refers to the total personality traits or qualities that define an individual. It reflects the moral and ethical aspects of a person’s life, dovetailing their values, honesty, courage, and responsibility. Character is the behavioural attitude that a person consistently shows in different situations.
The Origin of the Term
The term ‘character’ has etymological roots in the Greek language, stemming from the word ‘kharakter’ that means ‘engraved mark’. It was traditionally used to refer to a stamped impression. However, the meaning evolved over the years and came to be associated with the mental and moral traits that define an individual.
Importance of Character
Character is a crucial aspect of an individual’s life as it plays a key role in influencing their actions, behaviours, and decisions. People are often judged by the strength of their characters in personal and professional settings – a person with a strong character is seen as reliable, trustworthy and respected.
Character also shapes a person’s reputation. For instance, a person demonstrating honesty, integrity, and kindness will be known for these character traits and will carry a positive reputation.
Building Character
Building a character is a long-term process that involves incorporating values and moral ethics within oneself. It involves understanding right from wrong and making consistent efforts towards good behaviours and actions. Building a strong character demands perseverance, as it involves making the right choices even during challenging times.
Character development also benefits greatly from empathy and understanding towards others. Someone with good character not only follows a commendable set of values themselves, but appreciates and promotes these traits in others.
Character in Literature
In the realm of literature, the term ‘character’ takes on a different meaning. Here, it refers to the individuals, creatures or entities through whom the story is told and unfolded. Characters play a pivotal role in advancing the storyline, and their actions, thoughts, and dialog only heighten the reader’s enjoyment and understanding of the story.
Long story short, the term ‘character’ holds multifaceted implications. While from a personal viewpoint, it mirrors the ethical aspects of an individual, from a literary perspective, it fuels the narrative of a story. Regardless, the importance of character, be it in people or a story, is undeniable for it remains a significant identifier and influencer.