easy
The main character finds a hidden map.
What does Character mean?
Character means a story person, a set of qualities, or a written symbol.
Dictionary definition
Character can mean a person or creature in a story, the qualities that make a person or thing distinctive, moral strength, or someone’s reputation. Informally, a character can be an unusual or memorable person. Character also means a written or digital symbol such as a letter, number, or punctuation mark. Before a noun, it can describe an actor or role built around a distinctive personality.
Example sentences
Character in a sentence
medium
Patience and honesty are part of Lina’s character.
medium
The old brick walls give the library a warm character.
hard
Returning the lost wallet showed strength of character.
hard
The false rumor harmed the coach’s character and reputation.
hard
A strong password uses several kinds of characters, including numbers and symbols.
hard
The character actor was known for playing unusual neighbors and teachers.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice character in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Character
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does character mean in “The fox is my favorite character in the story” ?
The story clue shows that character means a figure who takes part in the events.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses the written-symbol meaning of character?
In password instructions, a character is a letter, number, punctuation mark, or other symbol.
Practice 3
Choose the best word: The narrator tells the story, but the main ____ acts in it.
A character takes part in the story; a narrator is the voice that tells it.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Character
Voice settings
Sounds like
kair · ik · ter · strongest beat: kair
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordCharacter.
Partnoun, adjective.
MeaningCharacter means a story person, a set of qualities, or a written symbol.
ExampleExample: The main character finds a hidden map.
Word breakdown
3 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- kair · ik · ter
- Strongest beat
- kair
- Ending
- ter
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on kair.
Your turn
Say Character
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Nice work—you practiced character.
Synonyms
Words like Character
figureClose when character means a person represented in a story, play, film, or game.
personalityClose when character means the collection of qualities that makes a person distinctive.
natureClose when character means the essential or distinctive qualities of a person, place, or thing.
reputationClose only when character means how others judge someone’s conduct or trustworthiness.
symbolClose when character means a letter, number, punctuation mark, or other written sign.
Antonym review
Does Character have an opposite?
Character has no single direct opposite across its story, personality, moral, reputation, and symbol senses. Appearance contrasts with inner qualities in some discussions but is not a general antonym.
Synonym practice
Want to practice character synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The character learned to be kind," then compare close word choices. Practice character synonyms.
Word family
Character word family
Base word
character
noun
characters
More than one story figure, set of qualities, or written symbol.
verb
characterize
To describe the typical qualities of someone or something.
verb
characterized
Described or marked by particular qualities in the past.
noun
characteristic
A typical or distinguishing feature.
noun
characterization
The way a character is created or the act of describing distinctive qualities.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Character
Hint for students
Look for story clues, quality or reputation clues, or writing and computer clues to identify the intended meaning.
Common mix-up
A character in a story is not always the narrator. Character can also mean inner or distinctive qualities, moral strength, reputation, a written symbol, or a distinctive acting role. Appearance may contrast with inner character in one context, but it is not a general opposite.
Try it in class or at home
Sort eight sentences into story figure, personal qualities, distinctive nature, reputation, and written symbol. Then choose one sentence and replace character with a sense-qualified synonym without changing the meaning.
Teacher prompt
Compare character as a story figure, a person’s qualities, the distinctive feeling of a place, a keyboard symbol, and a character role. Which clues signal each sense?
Word Wheel
Practice with the School Words Wheel
This word is part of WordHive's researched School Words collection. Spin the complete wheel to review meanings, discuss classroom connections, and practice using school vocabulary in sentences.
Learning activities
Practice Character and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice CHARACTER” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice CHARACTER
Sentence Builder
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Write a sentence with CHARACTER
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
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Vocabulary Match
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Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Practice CHARACTER
Synonym Search
Compare meanings in a question that includes CHARACTER.
Practice CHARACTER
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
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