I. ˈker-ik-tər, ˈka-rik- noun
Etymology: Middle English caracter, from Latin character mark, distinctive quality, from Greek charaktēr, from charassein to scratch, engrave; perhaps akin to Lithuanian žerti to scratch
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : a conventionalized graphic device placed on an object as an indication of ownership, origin, or relationship
b. : a graphic symbol (as a hieroglyph or alphabet letter) used in writing or printing
c. : a magical or astrological emblem
d. : alphabet
e.
(1) : writing , printing
(2) : style of writing or printing
(3) : cipher
f. : a symbol (as a letter or number) that represents information ; also : a representation of such a character that may be accepted by a computer
2.
a. : one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual
b.
(1) : a feature used to separate distinguishable things into categories ; also : a group or kind so separated
advertising of a very primitive character
(2) : the detectable expression of the action of a gene or group of genes
(3) : the aggregate of distinctive qualities characteristic of a breed, strain, or type
a wine of great character
c. : the complex of mental and ethical traits marking and often individualizing a person, group, or nation
the character of the American people
d. : main or essential nature especially as strongly marked and serving to distinguish
excess sewage gradually changed the character of the lake
3. : position , capacity
his character as a town official
4. : reference 4b
5. : reputation
the scandal has damaged his character and image
6. : moral excellence and firmness
a man of sound character
7.
a. : a person marked by notable or conspicuous traits
quite a character
b. : one of the persons of a drama or novel
c. : the personality or part which an actor recreates
an actress who can create a character convincingly
d. : characterization especially in drama or fiction
e. : person , individual
a suspicious character
8. : a short literary sketch of the qualities of a social type
Synonyms: see disposition , quality , type
• char·ac·ter·less -ləs adjective
•
- in character
- out of character
II. transitive verb
Date: 1591
1. archaic : engrave , inscribe
2.
a. archaic : represent , portray
b. : characterize
III. adjective
Date: 1883
1. : capable of portraying an unusual or eccentric personality often markedly different from the player
a character actor
2. : requiring the qualities of a character actor
a character role