noun

1. a distinctive mark
2. 1. any letter, figure, or symbol used in writing and printing
   2. the letters of an alphabet, collectively
3. style of printing or handwriting
4. 1. a mystic symbol or magical emblem
   2. a code or cipher
5. a distinctive trait, quality, or attribute; characteristic
6. essential quality; nature; kind or sort
7. the pattern of behavior or personality found in an individual or group; moral constitution
8. moral strength; self-discipline, fortitude, etc.
9. 1. reputation
   2. good reputation left without a shred of character
10. a statement about the behavior, qualities, etc. of a person, esp. as given by a former employer; reference
11. status; position
12. a personage great characters in history
13. 1. a person in a play, story, novel, etc.
    2. a role as portrayed by an actor or actress
14. Informal an odd, eccentric, or noteworthy person
15. Genetics any attribute, as color, shape, etc., caused in an individual by the action of one or more genes

Etymology: ME carecter < OFr caractère < L character, an engraving instrument < Gr charaktēr < charassein, to engrave < charax, pointed stake

transitive verb

1. to write, print, or inscribe
2. to characterize
3. Archaic to represent; portray