7.27.2008

Character vs. Personality

Recently I have been pondering the difference of personality and character. Wondering what makes them different. When I hear someone say "Bob has a honest character," vs. "Bob has a honest personality." The phrases take on different meanings for me.

According to dictionary.com I found the definitions that describe what character and personality are.
Personality-1. the visible aspect of one's character as it impresses others: He has a pleasing personality. 2.the sum total of the physical, mental, emotional, and social characteristics of an individual.
Character- 1. moral or ethical quality: a man of fine, honorable character. 2. qualities of honesty, courage, or the like; integrity: It takes character to face up to a bully.

As I continued to think about this it seems that personality and character are used interchangeably, but the main difference I noticed is 'moral' quality of a person is included in with character more of an internal presence where as personality is external, what is visible to others.

What do you all think?




No comments: