Character

n. [Lat. character, Gr. χαρακτήρ, from χαράσσειν, to make sharp, to cut into furrows, to engrave; Fr. caractère, Sp. carácter, It. carattere, Pr. caracta.] 1. A distinctive mark; a letter, figure, or sign. 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. Holder. 2. The manner of writing or printing; 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. Shak.

3. The sum of qualities which distinguish one person or thing from another. “A city of bad character.” “A man of dull intellect, and thoroughly subservient character.” Motley.
4. Good qualities, or the reputation of possessing them; as, a man of character.
5. The quality which attaches to a person as the holder of a certain office; quality; capacity; as, in his character as magistrate.
6. The estimate which is put upon a person or thing; reputation; as, his character for honesty is unquestionable.
7. Decided qualities; as, a great deal of character.
8. The possessor of a certain character; a person;—usually with an attributive word or phrase; as, the characters in a story, play, &c.; a distinguished character.
9. Account; description.

This subterraneous passage is much mended since Seneca gave so bad a character of it. Addison.