Character

Character defined char·ac·ter

1. distinctive qualities: the set of qualities that make somebody or something distinctive, especially somebody’s qualities of mind and feeling It’s just not in my character to behave that way.

2. positive qualities: qualities that make somebody or something interesting or attractive an old house full of character

3. reputation: somebody’s public reputation an attack on his good character that ended in court

4. somebody in book or movie: one of the people portrayed in a book, play, or movie None of the central characters is particularly likable.

5. unusual person: somebody with an unusual or eccentric personality

6. individual: somebody considered in terms of personality, behavior, or appearance a flamboyant character

7. letter or symbol: any written or printed letter, number, or other symbol

8. comput unit of computer data: a single letter, number, or symbol that can be displayed on a computer screen or printer and represents one byte of data

[14th century. Via Frenchcaractère< Greek kharaktēr "tool for marking" < kharassein "engrave" <kharax "pointed stake"] Encarta Dictionary/Onelook

“If you do not know the laws of right conduct, you cannot form your character.” - Swami Sivananda

Character comes second only to health; intellect may come third. The greatest task assumed by such schools as this is to transform egos into gentlemen. A gentleman, as my wife once defined it, is “a person continually considerate.” Kind words cost so little and are worth so much! Speak no evil of anyone; every unkind will sooner or later fly back into your face, and make you stumble in the race of life. De vivis, rather than de mortuis, nil nisi bonum.

To speak ill of others is a dishonest way of praising ourselves; let us be
above such transparent egotism. If you can’t say good and encouraging
things, say nothing. Nothing is often a good thing to do, and always a
clever thing to say. ~Will Durant

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. -Helen Keller