n. & v.
--n.
1. the collective qualities or characteristics, esp. mental and moral, that distinguish a person or thing.
2 a moral strength (has a weak character). b reputation, esp. good reputation.
3 a a person in a novel, play, etc. b a part played by an actor; a role.
4 colloq. a person, esp. an eccentric or outstanding individual (he's a real character).
5 a a printed or written letter, symbol, or distinctive mark (Chinese characters). b Computing any of a group of symbols representing a letter etc.
6 a written description of a person's qualities; a testimonial.
7 a characteristic (esp. of a biological species).
--v.tr. archaic inscribe; describe.
Phrases and idioms:
character actor an actor who specializes in playing eccentric or unusual persons. character assassination a malicious attempt to harm or destroy a person's good reputation. in (or out of) character consistent (or inconsistent) with a person's character.
Derivatives:
characterful adj. characterfully adv. characterless adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF caractere f. L character f. Gk kharakter stamp, impress