Behaviour vs. Character: What's the Difference?
By Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 24, 2024
Behavior refers to the actions and conduct of a person, while character encompasses the moral and ethical qualities that define an individual's personality.
Key Differences
Behavior describes the actions and reactions of an individual in various situations. It is often influenced by external factors, such as environment or circumstances. Character, on the other hand, refers to the set of moral and ethical traits that define a person’s overall personality. It is more stable and intrinsic.
Behavior can be observed directly through actions and speech. It can change depending on different scenarios or social contexts. Character is inferred from consistent patterns of behavior over time, revealing the core values and beliefs of a person.
Behavior is often shaped by immediate needs, social norms, and situational pressures. This makes it more susceptible to change and adaptation. Character, however, is deeply rooted in an individual's principles and moral compass, making it more enduring and less easily altered.
Behavior can be seen as the outward expression of one’s character. For example, a person who consistently helps others may have a kind character. Conversely, character shapes the potential range of behaviors a person might exhibit, indicating a predisposition towards certain actions.
Behavior is typically the focus of behavioral sciences and psychology, which seek to understand and predict actions. Character is a key interest in fields like ethics and philosophy, which explore the foundational aspects of what makes someone a good or bad person.
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Behavior is subject to external feedback and can be modified through reinforcement or punishment. Character development often requires self-reflection and personal growth, driven by an internal desire to align with one's values.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Actions and conduct of a person
Moral and ethical qualities defining personality
Influence
External factors (environment, circumstances)
Internal principles and values
Stability
Variable and adaptable
Stable and enduring
Observation
Directly observable through actions
Inferred from consistent behavior patterns
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Field of Study
Behavioral sciences and psychology
Ethics and philosophy
Behaviour and Character Definitions
Behaviour
Conduct exhibited in different situations.
His behavior changed when he was under pressure.
Character
Ethical traits that define an individual.
Trustworthiness is a key aspect of his character.
Behaviour
Manner of acting or controlling oneself.
Good behavior is expected in public places.
Character
Fundamental nature or personality.
His character is known for being compassionate.
Behaviour
Observable actions and reactions.
The child's behavior in class is disruptive.
Character
The combination of mental characteristics and behavior that distinguishes a person or group.
Behaviour
Actions taken by an individual.
Her behavior at the meeting was very professional.
Character
The distinguishing nature of something.
Behaviour
Response to external stimuli.
The dog's behavior indicates it is well-trained.
Character
Moral strength; integrity
An educational program designed to develop character.
Behaviour
Variant of behavior.
Character
Public estimation of someone; reputation
Personal attacks that damaged her character.
Behaviour
Standard spelling of behavior#Noun
Character
(Biology) A structure, function, or attribute of an organism, influenced by genetic, environmental, and developmental factors.
Behaviour
The action or reaction of something (as a machine or substance) under specified circumstances;
The behavior of small particles can be studied in experiments
Character
A person considered as having a specific quality or attribute
"Being a man of the world and a public character, [he] took everything as a matter of course" (George Eliot).
Behaviour
(behavioral attributes) the way a person behaves toward other people
Character
A person considered funny or eccentric
Catcalls from some character in the back row.
Behaviour
(psychology) the aggregate of the responses or reactions or movements made by an organism in any situation
Character
A person portrayed in an artistic piece, such as a drama or novel.
Behaviour
Manner of acting or conducting yourself
Character
A person or animal portrayed with a personality in comics or animation
A cartoon character.
Character
Characterization in fiction or drama
A script that is weak in plot but strong in character.
Character
Status or role; capacity
In his character as the father.
Character
A description of a person's attributes, traits, or abilities.
Character
A formal written statement as to competency and dependability, given by an employer to a former employee; a recommendation.
Character
A mark or symbol used in a writing system.
Character
A Chinese character.
Character
One of a set of symbols, such as letters or numbers, that are arranged to express information.
Character
The numerical code representing such a character.
Character
(Mathematics) The trace function of a representation.
Character
A style of printing or writing
"Here is the hand and seal of the Duke.
You know the character" (Shakespeare).
Character
A cipher or code for secret writing.
Character
Of or relating to one's character.
Character
Specializing in the interpretation of often minor roles that emphasize fixed personality traits or specific physical characteristics
A character actor.
Character
Of or relating to the interpretation of such roles by an actor
The character part of the hero's devoted mother.
Character
Dedicated to the portrayal of a person with regard to distinguishing psychological or physical features
A character sketch.
Character
To write, print, engrave, or inscribe.
Character
To portray or describe; characterize.
Character
(countable) A being involved in the action of a story.
Character
(countable) A distinguishing feature; characteristic; trait; phene.
A single locus governing the petal colour character was detected on the linkage group A2.
Character
A complex of traits marking a person, group, breed, or type.
A study of the suspect's character and his cast iron alibi ruled him out.
Character
(uncountable) Strength of mind; resolution; independence; individuality; moral strength.
He has a great deal of character.
"You may not like to eat liver," said Calvin's father, "but it builds character."
Character
(countable) A unique or extraordinary individual; a person characterized by peculiar or notable traits, especially charisma.
Julius Caesar is a great historical character.
That bloke is such a character.
Character
(countable) A written or printed symbol, or letter.
Character
Style of writing or printing; handwriting; the particular form of letters used by a person or people.
An inscription in the Runic character
Character
A secret cipher; a way of writing in code.
Character
One of the basic elements making up a text file or string: a code representing a printing character or a control character.
Character
A person or individual, especially one who is unknown.
We saw a shady character slinking out of the office with some papers.
That old guy is a real character.
Character
A complex number representing an element of a finite Abelian group.
Character
(countable) Quality, position, rank, or capacity; quality or conduct with respect to a certain office or duty.
In the miserable character of a slave
In his character as a magistrate
Character
The estimate, individual or general, put upon a person or thing; reputation.
A man's character for truth and veracity
Her actions give her a bad character.
Character
A reference given to a servant, attesting to their behaviour, competence, etc.
Character
Personal appearance.
Character
(obsolete) To write (using characters); to describe.
Character
A distinctive mark; a letter, figure, or symbol.
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.
Character
Style of writing or printing; handwriting; 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?
Character
The peculiar quality, or the sum of qualities, by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others; the stamp impressed by nature, education, or habit; that which a person or thing really is; nature; disposition.
The character or that dominion.
Know well each Ancient's proper character;His fable, subject, scope in every page;Religion, Country, genius of his Age.
A man of . . . thoroughly subservient character.
Character
Strength of mind; resolution; independence; individuality; as, he has a great deal of character.
Character
Moral quality; the principles and motives that control the life; as, a man of character; his character saves him from suspicion.
Character
Quality, position, rank, or capacity; quality or conduct with respect to a certain office or duty; as, in the miserable character of a slave; in his character as a magistrate; her character as a daughter.
Character
The estimate, individual or general, put upon a person or thing; reputation; as, a man's character for truth and veracity; to give one a bad character.
This subterraneous passage is much mended since Seneca gave so bad a character of it.
Character
A written statement as to behavior, competency, etc., given to a servant.
Character
A unique or extraordinary individuality; a person characterized by peculiar or notable traits; a person who illustrates certain phases of character; as, Randolph was a character; Cæsar is a great historical character.
Character
One of the persons of a drama or novel.
Character
To engrave; to inscribe.
These trees shall be my books.And in their barks my thoughts I 'll character.
Character
To distinguish by particular marks or traits; to describe; to characterize.
Character
An imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story);
She is the main character in the novel
Character
A characteristic property that defines the apparent individual nature of something;
Each town has a quality all its own
The radical character of our demands
Character
The inherent complex of attributes that determine a persons moral and ethical actions and reactions;
Education has for its object the formation of character
Character
An actor's portrayal of someone in a play;
She played the part of Desdemona
Character
A person of a specified kind (usually with many eccentricities);
A real character
A strange character
A friendly eccentric
The capable type
A mental case
Character
Good repute;
He is a man of character
Character
A formal recommendation by a former employer to a potential future employer describing the person's qualifications and dependability;
Requests for character references are all to often answered evasively
Character
A written symbol that is used to represent speech;
The Greek alphabet has 24 characters
Character
Engrave or inscribe characters on
Character
Set of moral qualities.
Her honesty is a central part of her character.
Character
Personal integrity and principles.
A person of strong character stands by their beliefs.
Character
Consistent moral behaviors.
Helping others in need shows her good character.
FAQs
Is character changeable?
Character is more stable and enduring, making it less easily changed.
Can behavior be modified?
Yes, behavior can be modified through reinforcement or punishment.
What is behavior?
Behavior refers to the actions and conduct of a person in various situations.
What is character?
Character encompasses the moral and ethical qualities that define an individual's personality.
Can behavior change?
Yes, behavior can change depending on circumstances and external factors.
How is behavior observed?
Behavior is observed directly through actions and speech.
How is character inferred?
Character is inferred from consistent patterns of behavior over time.
What shapes character?
Character is shaped by internal principles and values.
Can someone fake behavior?
Yes, behavior can be faked or altered temporarily.
What fields study character?
Fields like ethics and philosophy study character.
Why is behavior important?
Behavior is important for social interaction and adaptation.
What influences behavior?
Behavior is influenced by external factors such as environment and social norms.
Does character affect behavior?
Yes, character shapes the potential range of behaviors a person might exhibit.
How can one develop good character?
Developing good character requires self-reflection and adherence to ethical principles.
What is the focus of behavioral sciences?
Behavioral sciences focus on understanding and predicting actions.
Is behavior a true reflection of character?
Behavior can be an outward expression of one’s character, but not always.
Can someone fake character?
Faking character is difficult as it requires consistent behavior over time.
What determines good behavior?
Good behavior is determined by societal norms and expectations.
Why is character important?
Character is important for personal integrity and moral standing.
What determines good character?
Good character is determined by moral and ethical standards.
About Author
Written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
