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B1 noun #40 más común 13 min de lectura

character

Top 40

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos character en 30 segundos

Explicación character in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know 'character' as a person in a story, like in a book or a movie. Think of your favorite cartoon or movie. The people or animals in it are the characters. For example, Mickey Mouse is a character. Elsa from Frozen is a character. You can say, 'I like the main character.' You might also see 'character' when you use a computer or phone. It means a letter (like A, B, C) or a number (1, 2, 3). If you have to write a password, the computer might say, 'Use 8 characters.' This just means use 8 letters or numbers. At this level, don't worry about the more difficult meanings like 'moral character.' Just focus on people in stories and letters on a screen. Remember that you can count them: one character, two characters. It is a very useful word for talking about the things you watch and read. You can also use it to talk about people you know in a very simple way, but usually, 'person' is better for real people at this stage.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'character' to describe the people in the books you read or the shows you watch in more detail. You can talk about the 'main character' or 'my favorite character.' You might say, 'The main character is very brave.' You also use 'character' to talk about symbols in writing. For example, 'Chinese characters are beautiful but difficult to learn.' This refers to the specific way of writing. You might also hear people talk about 'character' when describing a person's nature in a simple way. If someone is very funny and unusual, you might hear, 'He is a real character!' This means he is an interesting or funny person. You should also be aware of 'character limits' on social media like Twitter or in text messages. At this level, you are beginning to see that 'character' isn't just a person, but also a part of how we write and a way to describe someone's unique personality. Try to use it when you are summarizing a story you liked.

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As a B1 learner, you should understand 'character' in three main ways. First, as a person in a fictional work. You can now discuss 'character development'—how a person in a story changes. For example, 'The character becomes more confident at the end of the book.' Second, you should understand 'character' as a person's moral qualities. This is more abstract. If you say someone has 'strong character,' you mean they are honest and reliable. This is different from 'personality.' Personality is how they act (funny, shy), but character is who they are inside (honest, brave). Third, you use it for written symbols, especially in computing or different languages. You might see phrases like 'special characters' (like @ or #). You should also know common phrases like 'in character' (acting like the person in the story) and 'out of character' (doing something that is not normal for that person). This level requires you to distinguish between these meanings based on the context of the sentence.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'character' with more nuance, especially in academic or professional discussions. You should be able to analyze a 'character arc' in literature, discussing how internal and external conflicts shape a persona. You will also use 'character' to describe the essential nature of a place or an era. For example, 'The character of the city changed after the industrial revolution.' In professional life, you might deal with 'character references' or 'character assessments.' You should understand that 'character' can be an uncountable noun when referring to moral fiber ('a man of character') and a countable noun when referring to individuals or symbols. You should also be familiar with more idiomatic uses, such as 'character assassination' (trying to ruin someone's reputation) or 'building character' (doing something difficult to become a better person). At this level, you should be able to explain the difference between 'character' and 'personality' clearly, noting that character is often seen as more permanent and ethical, while personality is more social and superficial.

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At the C1 level, you should have a sophisticated grasp of 'character' across various domains. In literary criticism, you might discuss 'stock characters,' 'flat vs. round characters,' or the 'characterization' techniques used by an author. You understand the philosophical implications of 'character' as a set of virtues, perhaps referencing Aristotelian ethics where character is formed through habit. In technical contexts, you are familiar with 'character sets' and 'encoding' (like Unicode or UTF-8) and how they handle global text data. You can use the word metaphorically to describe the 'character' of a wine, a musical piece, or a legal document. You are also comfortable with complex idioms like 'a test of character' or 'to be a judge of character.' Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's etymology—the idea of an 'engraved mark'—and how that applies to the lasting traits of a person or the distinctive features of a period in history. You can use the word to describe subtle shifts in tone or atmosphere in complex texts.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'character' is near-native. You can use the word in highly specialized contexts, such as discussing the 'character' of a mathematical group or the 'character' of a biological species in a taxonomic sense. You are aware of the historical evolution of the word from a physical mark to a moral quality. In your writing, you can use 'character' to convey deep psychological insights, perhaps discussing the 'disintegration of character' in a tragic hero. You are adept at using the word in legal and formal registers, understanding the weight of a 'character witness' in a high-stakes trial. You can also play with the word's multiple meanings for rhetorical effect, such as contrasting the 'characters' on a page with the 'character' of the person who wrote them. Your understanding extends to the most obscure idioms and cultural references, and you can use the word with perfect precision to describe the most subtle aspects of human nature, artistic expression, or technical data structures. You recognize 'character' as a fundamental concept in both the humanities and the sciences.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

character en 30 segundos

A person in a story, book, movie, or play, often having specific traits and motivations that drive the plot forward.
The collective moral and mental qualities that make a person unique, often related to their honesty, bravery, and integrity.
A written or printed symbol, such as a letter, number, or punctuation mark, used in writing systems and computer data.
The distinctive nature or atmosphere of a place, thing, or period, describing its unique charm or essential qualities.

The word character is a multifaceted noun that serves as a cornerstone in English for describing both the essence of a person and the figures we encounter in storytelling. At its most fundamental level, it refers to the collective qualities—moral, intellectual, and emotional—that distinguish one individual from another. When we speak of someone having a 'strong character,' we are not merely describing their personality, but rather their integrity, resilience, and ethical backbone. This usage implies a depth that goes beyond surface-level behavior, suggesting a permanent set of traits that dictate how a person reacts under pressure or temptation. In the realm of literature, film, and theater, a character is a fictional entity created by an author. This can range from a protagonist like Harry Potter to a minor figure who appears only once. The process of 'characterization' is how writers breathe life into these figures, giving them motivations, flaws, and unique voices. Beyond people, the word also has a technical meaning in typography and computing: it represents any letter, number, or symbol used in writing or data processing. For example, a password might require at least eight characters, including one special character like an exclamation point. Finally, in informal British English, calling someone 'a bit of a character' suggests they are eccentric, unusual, or amusingly strange, often in a way that is well-liked by others.

Moral Integrity: The inherent complex of attributes that determine a person's moral and ethical actions and reactions. It is often said that character is what you do when no one is looking.
Fictional Persona: An individual in a narrative work of art, such as a novel, play, television show, or video game. Characters can be humans, animals, or even personified objects.
Typographic Symbol: A printed or written sign, such as a letter of the alphabet, a numeral, or a punctuation mark. In computing, this refers to a unit of information that corresponds to a grapheme.

The protagonist was a complex character with a mysterious past that slowly unfolded throughout the novel.

Historically, the word stems from the Greek 'charaktēr', which referred to a stamping tool or the mark impressed by such a tool. This etymology perfectly captures the modern essence of the word: it is the 'mark' left upon a person by their experiences and choices, or the 'mark' on a page that conveys meaning. In professional settings, 'character references' are sought to verify a candidate's reliability and honesty. In creative writing workshops, 'character arcs' are analyzed to see how a persona changes from the beginning to the end of a story. The versatility of the word allows it to bridge the gap between the abstract (human nature) and the concrete (a letter 'A'). Understanding these nuances is vital for B1 learners who are moving from simple descriptions to more complex discussions about people and stories. Whether you are describing the 'main character' of your favorite movie or discussing the 'character' of a historical figure, you are touching upon the very essence of what makes something or someone unique.

It takes a lot of character to admit when you are wrong and apologize sincerely.

Please ensure your password contains at least one special character like a hash or an asterisk.

The old neighborhood has a lot of character, with its cobblestone streets and unique architecture.

He is quite a character; he always wears a top hat and carries a vintage umbrella.

In Literature: Focuses on the development, motivations, and roles of individuals within a narrative structure.
In Computing: Refers to encoded units of text, often represented by standards like ASCII or Unicode.

Using the word character correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility. When referring to a person in a story, it functions as a standard countable noun. You can have one character, two characters, or a cast of characters. For example, 'The main character in the movie is a detective.' In this context, it is often preceded by adjectives like 'main,' 'supporting,' 'minor,' or 'complex.' When you are describing someone's moral nature, it can be used both countably and uncountably. You might say 'She has a noble character' (countable) or 'The ordeal showed his true character' (uncountable). The uncountable usage is more common when discussing character as an abstract quality of integrity. For instance, 'Building character is an important part of education.' Here, 'character' represents the sum of a person's virtues. If you are using the word to mean a symbol or letter, it is always countable. 'The message was limited to 140 characters.' This is a very common usage in the digital age, especially with social media platforms and text messaging.

Adjective Pairings: Commonly paired with: strong, weak, flawed, fictional, main, leading, eccentric, shady, or upright.
Verb Pairings: Common verbs: build, develop, portray, play, judge, reveal, or assess.

The author spent three chapters developing the character of the antagonist before the first conflict occurred.

In more advanced usage, 'character' can describe the distinctive nature of a place or thing. 'The character of the town has changed since the new highway was built.' This refers to the atmosphere, appearance, and general 'feel' of the location. It is also used in the phrase 'in character' or 'out of character' to describe whether someone is behaving in a way that is typical for them. If a quiet person suddenly starts shouting, you might say, 'That behavior was completely out of character for him.' Actors also use these phrases to indicate whether they are currently performing their role or being themselves. 'The actor stayed in character even during the lunch break.' This level of usage is common in B2 and C1 contexts where nuance and idiomatic expression are more frequent. For B1 learners, focusing on the distinction between a 'person in a book' and 'a person's moral nature' is the most effective way to master the word.

It was totally out of character for Sarah to be late, as she is usually very punctual.

The Chinese character for 'mountain' looks a bit like three peaks.

The judge noted that the defendant was a man of good character with no prior convictions.

The film features a diverse cast of characters from all walks of life.

Common Collocations: 'Character building', 'Character flaw', 'Character witness', 'Main character', 'In character'.

You will encounter the word character in a wide variety of real-world contexts, ranging from casual conversations to formal legal proceedings. In everyday life, the most frequent use is likely in the context of entertainment. When friends discuss a TV show, they might say, 'I don't like the main character anymore; they've become too selfish.' Movie reviews in newspapers or on YouTube are filled with this term, often discussing 'character development' or 'character arcs.' In an educational setting, particularly in English or Literature classes, students are asked to perform 'character analyses,' where they dive deep into a persona's traits and motivations. In a professional or legal context, 'character' takes on a more serious tone. You might hear about a 'character reference'—a letter written by someone who knows you well, testifying to your honesty and reliability. In court, a 'character witness' might be called to speak about a defendant's reputation. This is a crucial distinction from 'personality,' which is more about how someone acts in social situations; 'character' is about who they are at their core.

Entertainment & Media: Used to describe the people in stories. Phrases like 'character-driven plot' or 'supporting character' are common in reviews.
Legal & Professional: Refers to a person's reputation and moral standing. 'Character assassination' is a term used when someone tries to destroy another person's reputation.

The HR manager asked for two character references to accompany my job application.

In the tech world, 'character' is a daily term for anyone working with computers. If you've ever filled out an online form that said 'Maximum 200 characters,' you've seen this in action. Software developers talk about 'character encoding' (like UTF-8) which allows computers to display different alphabets and symbols. Even in architecture and interior design, the word is used to describe the unique charm of a building. A real estate agent might say, 'This house has so much character,' referring to its original wooden beams or stained-glass windows. Finally, in sports, coaches often talk about 'character wins'—victories that were achieved through grit and determination rather than just skill. This highlights the 'moral fiber' aspect of the word, suggesting that the team's inner strength led them to success. Whether you are reading a book, applying for a job, coding a website, or buying a house, 'character' is a word that helps you describe the unique, essential qualities of the subject at hand.

The coach praised the team's character after they came back from a three-goal deficit to win the game.

The old library has a quiet, scholarly character that makes it perfect for studying.

I love the character of Sherlock Holmes because of his incredible attention to detail.

The Twitter post was cut off because it exceeded the 280-character limit.

Architecture: Refers to the unique aesthetic qualities of a building or space.
Sports: Refers to the mental toughness and ethical behavior of athletes and teams.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing character with personality. While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 'Personality' refers to the outward traits that people see—whether someone is outgoing, funny, or shy. 'Character' refers to the internal moral qualities—whether someone is honest, brave, or reliable. You might have a very charming personality but a very poor character (for example, a con artist). Conversely, someone might have a grumpy personality but a very noble character. Another common error is using 'character' when you mean 'characteristic.' A 'characteristic' is a specific feature or quality of something, like 'One characteristic of a mammal is that it has hair.' While 'character' can mean the 'sum' of qualities, 'characteristic' is used for individual traits. For example, 'Kindness is a characteristic of his character.'

Character vs. Personality: Personality is how you act in public; character is who you are in private. Personality is the 'wrapper'; character is the 'content'.
Character vs. Characteristic: Character is the whole; characteristic is the part. You analyze a character's characteristics.

Incorrect: He has a very funny character. (Better: He has a very funny personality.)

Learners also struggle with the countability of the word. When you are talking about the people in a book, it is always countable: 'There are many characters.' However, when talking about moral fiber, it is often uncountable: 'He is a man of character.' Using 'a character' to mean 'a person' is generally informal and can sometimes be slightly insulting or patronizing depending on the tone. For example, calling someone 'a real character' implies they are a bit weird. If you just mean 'a person,' use 'person' or 'individual.' Additionally, in the context of writing systems, don't confuse 'character' with 'letter.' All letters are characters, but not all characters are letters (some are numbers or symbols). In languages like Chinese or Japanese, the word 'character' is specifically used because the symbols represent concepts or syllables rather than individual sounds like the Roman alphabet.

Incorrect: I like the characters of this city. (Better: I like the character of this city—referring to its unique atmosphere.)

Incorrect: The character of the lion is to hunt. (Better: The nature of the lion is to hunt.)

Incorrect: Please type your name in capital characters. (Better: Please type your name in capital letters.)

Pluralization Pitfall: Avoid saying 'characters' when you mean 'traits' or 'personality features'.

To truly master the word character, it helps to compare it with its synonyms and near-synonyms. When you are talking about a person in a story, alternatives include 'persona,' 'figure,' 'protagonist,' or 'antagonist.' 'Persona' is often used in a more psychological or theatrical sense, while 'figure' is more neutral and can refer to a person who is mentioned but not fully developed. 'Protagonist' specifically refers to the main character, and 'antagonist' to their opponent. When discussing moral character, synonyms include 'integrity,' 'nature,' 'disposition,' or 'temperament.' 'Integrity' is a strong synonym for 'good character,' focusing specifically on honesty and moral uprightness. 'Disposition' and 'temperament' are closer to 'personality,' referring to a person's usual mood or way of reacting to things. For example, someone might have a 'sunny disposition' but a 'weak character' when it comes to keeping secrets.

Character vs. Integrity: Character is the broad set of traits; integrity is the specific quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
Character vs. Persona: A character is the whole entity in a story; a persona is the 'mask' or face someone presents to the world.

While he had a charming personality, his lack of integrity revealed his true character.

In the context of symbols and writing, 'character' can be replaced by 'symbol,' 'sign,' 'glyph,' or 'mark.' 'Glyph' is a more technical term used in typography and archaeology (like Mayan glyphs). 'Symbol' is much broader and can refer to anything that represents something else, like a dove being a symbol of peace. In computing, 'character' is the standard term, but 'byte' is sometimes confused with it. A byte is a unit of storage, while a character is a unit of text; in some encodings, one character might take up multiple bytes. Finally, when using 'character' to describe a place, you might use 'atmosphere,' 'charm,' 'flavor,' or 'spirit.' 'The town has a medieval flavor' or 'The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere.' These alternatives help you be more specific about what exactly makes the place unique. Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to emphasize the moral, the fictional, the technical, or the atmospheric aspect of the subject.

The protagonist of the story is a young woman seeking her lost brother.

The ancient glyphs carved into the stone were difficult for the archaeologists to translate.

The spirit of the festival was captured in the vibrant costumes and music.

Word Comparison: 'Disposition' = Natural mood. 'Character' = Moral choices. 'Personality' = Social style.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Jerga

Dato curioso

The word originally referred to the physical act of engraving or stamping. It wasn't until the 17th century that it began to be used to describe the 'moral' marks or traits of a person.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ˈkær.ək.tər/

US /ˈker.ək.tɚ/

The stress is on the first syllable: CHAR-ac-ter.

Rima con

actor factor tractor refractor extractor compactor detractor reactor

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'ch' as in 'church' instead of 'k'.
Stressing the second or third syllable.
Forgetting the 't' sound in the middle.
Confusing the 'a' sound with 'e'.
Dropping the final 'r' in American English.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, but multiple meanings can be confusing.

Escritura 3/5

Requires knowledge of countability and specific collocations.

Expresión oral 3/5

Pronunciation of 'ch' as 'k' is a common hurdle for beginners.

Escucha 2/5

Clearly distinguishable in most spoken contexts.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

person story letter good bad

Aprende después

personality characteristic integrity protagonist arc

Avanzado

characterization archetype Unicode disposition temperament

Gramática que debes saber

Countability of Abstract Nouns

Character (integrity) is uncountable; a character (person) is countable.

Adjective Placement

The main character (adjective before noun).

Prepositional Phrases

In character vs. Out of character.

Possessive Nouns

The character's journey (apostrophe 's').

Compound Adjectives

A character-driven plot (use of hyphen).

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Ejemplos por nivel

Who is your favorite character in the book?

Qui est ton personnage préféré dans le livre ?

Countable noun: 'character' refers to a person in a story.

The movie has five main characters.

Le film a cinq personnages principaux.

Plural form: 'characters'.

Please type one character.

Veuillez taper un caractère.

Refers to a single letter or symbol.

He is a funny character.

C'est un personnage amusant.

Used to describe an unusual person.

I like the characters in this cartoon.

J'aime les personnages de ce dessin animé.

Plural 'characters' for fictional beings.

The password needs eight characters.

Le mot de passe nécessite huit caractères.

Refers to the count of letters/numbers.

She is a kind character in the story.

C'est un personnage gentil dans l'histoire.

Adjective 'kind' modifying 'character'.

Is this character a hero?

Ce personnage est-il un héros ?

Subject of the sentence.

The main character is a young girl.

Le personnage principal est une jeune fille.

Compound noun: 'main character'.

I don't understand this Chinese character.

Je ne comprends pas ce caractère chinois.

Refers to a logogram.

He is a very interesting character.

C'est un personnage très intéressant.

Describing a real person's personality.

The story has many different characters.

L'histoire a beaucoup de personnages différents.

Plural 'characters' with the quantifier 'many'.

You can only use 140 characters in this message.

Vous ne pouvez utiliser que 140 caractères dans ce message.

Refers to digital text units.

The character of the hero is very strong.

Le caractère du héros est très fort.

Refers to moral strength.

She plays the character of a doctor.

Elle joue le personnage d'un médecin.

Refers to an acting role.

The book is about the character of a cat.

Le livre parle du caractère d'un chat.

Refers to the nature of an animal.

It was out of character for him to lie.

C'était inhabituel de sa part de mentir.

Idiom: 'out of character' means not typical behavior.

The author provides great character development.

L'auteur offre un excellent développement des personnages.

Term for the evolution of a persona in fiction.

He is a man of great character and integrity.

C'est un homme d'un grand caractère et d'une grande intégrité.

Uncountable use meaning moral fiber.

The town has a very unique character.

La ville a un caractère très unique.

Refers to the atmosphere or nature of a place.

The actor stayed in character the whole time.

L'acteur est resté dans son personnage tout le temps.

Idiom: 'in character' means maintaining a role.

We need to analyze the main character's motivations.

Nous devons analyser les motivations du personnage principal.

Possessive form: 'character's'.

Hard work builds character.

Le travail acharné forge le caractère.

Uncountable use in a common proverb.

The computer cannot read this special character.

L'ordinateur ne peut pas lire ce caractère spécial.

Refers to non-alphanumeric symbols.

The character assassination of the politician was brutal.

L'assassinat de la réputation du politicien a été brutal.

Metaphorical use for destroying reputation.

She gave me a glowing character reference.

Elle m'a donné une recommandation élogieuse.

Professional term for a recommendation of integrity.

The protagonist's character arc is the best part of the movie.

L'arc narratif du protagoniste est la meilleure partie du film.

Literary term for a character's journey.

The judge called a character witness to the stand.

Le juge a appelé un témoin de moralité à la barre.

Legal term for someone testifying about a person's nature.

The building's character was preserved during the renovation.

Le caractère du bâtiment a été préservé pendant la rénovation.

Refers to aesthetic and historical essence.

It's a test of character to stay calm in a crisis.

C'est une épreuve de caractère que de rester calme en cas de crise.

Idiom for a situation that reveals one's true nature.

The characters in the play are archetypes of human greed.

Les personnages de la pièce sont des archétypes de l'avidité humaine.

Refers to symbolic representations.

The software supports a wide range of Unicode characters.

Le logiciel prend en charge une large gamme de caractères Unicode.

Technical term for digital text encoding.

The author's characterization of the working class was criticized.

La caractérisation de la classe ouvrière par l'auteur a été critiquée.

Noun form 'characterization' referring to the act of creating characters.

His actions were entirely consistent with his character.

Ses actions étaient tout à fait cohérentes avec son caractère.

Formal expression of behavioral consistency.

The city has lost its original character due to gentrification.

La ville a perdu son caractère original à cause de la gentrification.

Refers to the unique soul or identity of a place.

He is a shrewd judge of character.

C'est un fin limier pour juger les gens.

Idiom for someone who can accurately assess others' natures.

The document was written in a formal character.

Le document a été rédigé avec un caractère formel.

Refers to the style or tone of a piece of writing.

The character of the conflict has shifted from political to religious.

Le caractère du conflit est passé de politique à religieux.

Refers to the essential nature or type of an event.

She possesses a certain strength of character that is rare today.

Elle possède une certaine force de caractère qui est rare aujourd'hui.

Refers to internal moral fortitude.

The font includes several decorative characters.

La police de caractères comprend plusieurs caractères décoratifs.

Refers to specific typographic symbols.

The protagonist is a quintessentially Kafkaesque character.

Le protagoniste est un personnage typiquement kafkaïen.

Using a literary adjective to describe a character type.

The character of the nation was forged in the fires of revolution.

Le caractère de la nation s'est forgé dans les feux de la révolution.

Metaphorical use for national identity.

The moral character of the protagonist is intentionally ambiguous.

Le caractère moral du protagoniste est intentionnellement ambigu.

Discussing complex literary themes.

The encoding issues resulted in corrupted characters in the database.

Les problèmes d'encodage ont entraîné des caractères corrompus dans la base de données.

Highly technical use in data science.

Her character was irreproachable throughout her long career.

Son caractère a été irréprochable tout au long de sa longue carrière.

Formal adjective 'irreproachable' modifying 'character'.

The character of the landscape is defined by its rugged cliffs.

Le caractère du paysage est défini par ses falaises escarpées.

Describing the essential physical nature of a place.

He lacks the character to lead such a large organization.

Il n'a pas le caractère nécessaire pour diriger une organisation aussi importante.

Using 'character' as a synonym for leadership qualities.

The play explores the multifaceted character of human desire.

La pièce explore le caractère multiforme du désir humain.

Abstract philosophical usage.

Colocaciones comunes

main character

strong character

character development

special character

character reference

in character

out of character

character flaw

character witness

Chinese character

Frases Comunes

a man of character

— A man who is honest and has strong moral principles.

He is known as a man of character in the community.

a real character

— Someone who is unusual, funny, or eccentric.

Our neighbor is a real character; he talks to his plants.

character building

— Activities or experiences that help develop moral strength.

Camping in the rain was a character-building experience.

judge of character

— Someone who can tell what kind of person someone is.

My grandmother was a good judge of character.

character assassination

— The deliberate attempt to destroy someone's reputation.

The political campaign turned into character assassination.

test of character

— A difficult situation that shows your true nature.

The crisis was a true test of character for the leader.

supporting character

— A person in a story who is not the main focus.

He won an award for best supporting character.

character set

— A defined list of characters recognized by a computer.

The character set includes letters from many languages.

to be in character

— To behave in a way that is expected of your role or nature.

It was very in character for him to offer help.

to lack character

— To have no moral strength or distinct personality.

The new building lacks character compared to the old one.

Se confunde a menudo con

character vs personality

Personality is social behavior; character is moral essence.

character vs characteristic

A characteristic is a single trait; character is the whole set.

character vs nature

Nature is often innate/biological; character is often moral/learned.

Modismos y expresiones

"out of character"

— Not typical of someone's usual behavior.

It was out of character for her to be so quiet.

neutral

"in character"

— Typical of someone's usual behavior or acting a role.

His generous donation was perfectly in character.

neutral

"a real character"

— An eccentric or unusual person.

The old sea captain was a real character.

informal

"character building"

— Experiences that make you stronger or better.

Losing the game was character building for the kids.

neutral

"character assassination"

— Trying to ruin someone's reputation.

The tabloids are famous for character assassination.

formal

"judge of character"

— Ability to evaluate people's moral nature.

I'm a poor judge of character; I trust everyone.

neutral

"test of character"

— A challenge that reveals your true self.

The long hike was a test of character.

neutral

"strength of character"

— The quality of being firm and determined.

She showed great strength of character during the trial.

formal

"flaw in character"

— A specific moral weakness.

Greed was the fatal flaw in his character.

literary

"to be a character"

— To be funny or unusual.

You're such a character, always making us laugh!

informal

Fácil de confundir

character vs personality

Both describe a person's traits.

Personality is how you appear to others; character is who you are deep down.

He has a charming personality but a dishonest character.

character vs characteristic

They share the same root.

A characteristic is a specific feature (like blue eyes); character is the overall nature.

Patience is a characteristic of her character.

character vs figure

Both can mean a person in a story.

Figure is more formal and can be less detailed than a character.

He is a historical figure, but a character in this play.

character vs letter

Both refer to writing symbols.

A letter is specifically A-Z; a character includes numbers, symbols, and spaces.

The '@' is a character, but not a letter.

character vs reputation

Both relate to how a person is judged.

Reputation is what people think of you; character is what you actually are.

His reputation was ruined, but his character remained strong.

Patrones de oraciones

I like [character name].

I like the character Elsa.

The [adjective] character is [adjective].

The main character is very brave.

It was [adjective] of [person] to [verb].

It was out of character for him to lie.

[Something] builds character.

Sports build character.

The character of [place/thing] is [adjective].

The character of the city is very modern.

A [adjective] character reference.

A glowing character reference.

The author's characterization of [subject] is [adjective].

The author's characterization of the villain is complex.

The [adjective] character of [abstract concept].

The multifaceted character of human ambition.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written English.

Errores comunes

He has a funny character. → He has a funny personality.
Character refers to moral traits; personality refers to being funny or social.
I am learning 500 Chinese letters. → I am learning 500 Chinese characters.
Chinese symbols are called characters, not letters.
The movie has many personages. → The movie has many characters.
'Personage' is very rare and formal; 'character' is the standard word for stories.
It was out of his character. → It was out of character for him.
The standard idiom is 'out of character for [someone]'.
She has a strong characters. → She has a strong character.
When meaning moral fiber, 'character' is uncountable and should be singular.

Consejos

Use for Stories

Always use 'character' instead of 'person' when talking about people in books or movies.

Count Your Symbols

Remember that spaces and punctuation marks count as 'characters' in computer strings.

Character vs Personality

Use 'character' for deep moral traits and 'personality' for social traits.

Out of Character

Use this phrase to describe when a friend does something very surprising or unlike them.

Vivid Characters

In your writing, try to show a character's nature through their actions rather than just telling the reader.

References

A 'character reference' is usually from a friend or teacher, not a former employer.

Global Symbols

When talking about Chinese or Japanese writing, always use the word 'characters'.

Witnesses

A 'character witness' doesn't talk about the crime; they only talk about the person's personality.

Analysis

In literature essays, use 'characterization' to discuss how the author built the character.

The 'K' Rule

Always remember: Character starts with 'CH' but sounds like 'K'. Like a King's character.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'CHAR' (coal) making a 'MARK' on a page. A character is a mark, whether it's a letter or the 'mark' of your personality.

Asociación visual

Imagine a typewriter. Each key strikes a 'character' (letter) onto the paper. Now imagine that same typewriter striking 'traits' (like honesty) onto a person's heart.

Word Web

Person in a book Moral integrity Letter/Symbol Atmosphere of a place Eccentric person Computing data Character arc Character reference

Desafío

Write a sentence that uses 'character' in two different ways. For example: 'The main character in the story had a very weak character.'

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Greek word 'charaktēr', which originally meant an engraved mark or a stamping tool used for making such marks. It entered English via Old French 'caractere' and Latin 'character'.

Significado original: A distinctive mark, brand, or symbol.

Indo-European (Greek -> Latin -> French -> English)

Contexto cultural

Be careful when describing someone as 'a character' in a formal setting, as it can imply they are not professional.

In the UK, calling someone 'a character' is usually a compliment meaning they are interesting. In the US, 'character building' is a common term used by parents and coaches.

The 'characters' of Charles Dickens (famous for being vivid and eccentric). Unicode (the global standard for digital characters). Aristotle's 'Nicomachean Ethics' (discussing moral character).

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Literature Class

analyze the character
character development
main character
supporting character

Job Interview

character reference
strength of character
integrity
work ethic

Computing

character limit
special character
character encoding
string of characters

Daily Conversation

a real character
out of character
in character
quite a character

Legal/Court

character witness
character assassination
good character
moral character

Inicios de conversación

"Who is the most interesting character you have ever read about in a book?"

"Do you think it's more important to have a good personality or a good character?"

"Have you ever done something that was completely out of character for you?"

"Is it difficult to learn the characters in your native language or a language you are studying?"

"What kind of experiences do you think are best for building character in young people?"

Temas para diario

Describe a character from a movie who reminds you of yourself and explain why.

Write about a time when you had to show strength of character to do the right thing.

If you were a character in a fantasy novel, what would your special abilities and flaws be?

Reflect on the 'character' of your hometown. What makes it unique and different from other places?

Discuss the importance of character references in the job market today. Are they still relevant?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is both! It is countable when referring to a person in a story or a symbol (e.g., 'three characters'). It is uncountable when referring to moral strength (e.g., 'He has great character').

A character is the whole person in a story. A persona is the specific 'face' or personality someone shows to the world, which might not be their true self.

Yes! You can say a building 'has a lot of character' if it has unique, interesting, or old-fashioned features that make it special.

It means an actor is pretending to be the person they are playing, or a real person is behaving in their usual, expected way.

It is the maximum number of letters, numbers, and spaces you are allowed to use in a piece of writing, like a tweet or a text message.

No. In stories, a character can be an animal (like Simba) or an object (like the clock in Beauty and the Beast). It can also be a symbol or a person's moral nature.

It is a metaphorical term for trying to destroy someone's reputation by telling lies or highlighting their flaws publicly.

It is pronounced 'KAR-ak-ter'. The 'ch' sounds like a 'k', and the stress is on the first part of the word.

It is a letter from someone who knows you (but isn't your boss) saying that you are a good, honest, and reliable person.

It is something people say when they are doing something difficult or unpleasant, suggesting that the experience will make them a stronger person.

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