Character vs. Reputation: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 3, 2024
Character is the inherent qualities or traits of a person, while Reputation is how others perceive or regard that person.
Key Differences
Character refers to the intrinsic attributes, values, and moral ethics an individual possesses. Reputation, however, is the external perception or the opinion that others hold about an individual.
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Jan 03, 2024
Character is built from within and is reflected through one's choices and actions in various situations. Reputation is shaped by external perceptions, often influenced by societal norms and opinions.
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Jan 03, 2024
Character is consistent and remains stable over time, rooted in a person's principles and beliefs. Reputation, conversely, can fluctuate based on others' observations and interpretations.
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Jan 03, 2024
Character is a personal quality, often not immediately visible to others. In contrast, Reputation is more visible and public, being a collective opinion formed by a group or society.
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Jan 03, 2024
Character involves personal integrity and honesty, which one adheres to irrespective of external acknowledgment. Reputation is dependent on public acknowledgment and can be influenced by external factors and misconceptions.
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Jan 03, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Inherent qualities and moral ethics of a person.
Public perception or opinion about a person.
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Stability
Generally consistent over time.
Can change based on public opinion.
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Visibility
Personal and not always visible to others.
Public and widely recognized.
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Influence
Self-influenced by personal principles.
Influenced by societal norms and opinions.
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Character and Reputation Definitions
Character
The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.
Her character is defined by her unwavering honesty and integrity.
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Dec 27, 2023
Reputation
The beliefs or opinions held about someone by others.
His reputation as an expert in his field is well-deserved.
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Dec 27, 2023
Character
The attributes, traits, and abilities that form an individual's nature.
A person's character is often revealed during difficult times.
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Dec 27, 2023
Reputation
The overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general.
She has a reputation for being fair and just in her dealings.
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Dec 27, 2023
Character
The combination of mental characteristics and behavior that distinguishes a person or group.
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Dec 27, 2023
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Reputation
A widespread belief that someone or something has a particular habit or characteristic.
Their school has a reputation for academic excellence.
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Dec 27, 2023
Reputation
The position one occupies or the standing one has in the opinion of others.
Maintaining a good reputation is important for any business.
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Dec 27, 2023
Character
Moral strength; integrity
An educational program designed to develop character.
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Dec 27, 2023
Reputation
The general opinion or judgment of the public about a person or thing
A senator with a tarnished reputation.
A restaurant with a good reputation.
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Dec 27, 2023
Character
Public estimation of someone; reputation
Personal attacks that damaged her character.
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Dec 27, 2023
Reputation
The state or situation of being held in high esteem
Feared damage to his reputation.
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Dec 27, 2023
Character
(Biology) A structure, function, or attribute of an organism, influenced by genetic, environmental, and developmental factors.
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Dec 27, 2023
Reputation
A widespread ascription of a characteristic or trait to a person or thing
A sales clerk who has a reputation for courtesy.
A columnist with the reputation of being acerbic.
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Dec 27, 2023
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).
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Character
A person considered funny or eccentric
Catcalls from some character in the back row.
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Dec 27, 2023
Reputation
The estimation in which one is held; character in public opinion; the character attributed to a person, thing, or action; repute.
The best evidence of reputation is a man's whole life.
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Dec 27, 2023
Character
A person portrayed in an artistic piece, such as a drama or novel.
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Dec 27, 2023
Reputation
The character imputed to a person in the community in which he lives. It is admissible in evidence when he puts his character in issue, or when such reputation is otherwise part of the issue of a case.
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Dec 27, 2023
Character
A person or animal portrayed with a personality in comics or animation
A cartoon character.
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Reputation
Specifically: Good reputation; favorable regard; public esteem; general credit; good name.
I see my reputation is at stake.
The security of his reputation or good name.
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Character
Characterization in fiction or drama
A script that is weak in plot but strong in character.
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Reputation
Notoriety for some particular characteristic;
His reputation for promiscuity
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Character
A formal written statement as to competency and dependability, given by an employer to a former employee; a recommendation.
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Dec 27, 2023
Reputation
The general estimation that the public has for a person;
He acquired a reputation as an actor before he started writing
He was a person of bad report
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Reputation
The general estimation in which a person is held by the public.
The company's reputation for quality has grown over the years.
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Character
One of a set of symbols, such as letters or numbers, that are arranged to express information.
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Character
A style of printing or writing
"Here is the hand and seal of the Duke.
You know the character" (Shakespeare).
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Character
Specializing in the interpretation of often minor roles that emphasize fixed personality traits or specific physical characteristics
A character actor.
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Character
Of or relating to the interpretation of such roles by an actor
The character part of the hero's devoted mother.
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Character
Dedicated to the portrayal of a person with regard to distinguishing psychological or physical features
A character sketch.
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Character
(countable) A distinguishing feature; characteristic; trait; phene.
A single locus governing the petal colour character was detected on the linkage group A2.
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Dec 27, 2023
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.
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Dec 27, 2023
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."
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Dec 27, 2023
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.
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Dec 27, 2023
Character
Style of writing or printing; handwriting; the particular form of letters used by a person or people.
An inscription in the Runic character
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Dec 27, 2023
Character
One of the basic elements making up a text file or string: a code representing a printing character or a control character.
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Dec 27, 2023
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.
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Dec 27, 2023
Character
A complex number representing an element of a finite Abelian group.
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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
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Dec 27, 2023
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.
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Dec 27, 2023
Character
A reference given to a servant, attesting to their behaviour, competence, etc.
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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.
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Dec 27, 2023
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?
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Dec 27, 2023
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.
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Dec 27, 2023
Character
Strength of mind; resolution; independence; individuality; as, he has a great deal of character.
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Character
Moral quality; the principles and motives that control the life; as, a man of character; his character saves him from suspicion.
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Dec 27, 2023
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.
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Dec 27, 2023
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.
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Dec 27, 2023
Character
A written statement as to behavior, competency, etc., given to a servant.
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Dec 27, 2023
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.
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Dec 27, 2023
Character
To engrave; to inscribe.
These trees shall be my books.And in their barks my thoughts I 'll character.
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Dec 27, 2023
Character
To distinguish by particular marks or traits; to describe; to characterize.
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Character
An imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story);
She is the main character in the novel
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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
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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
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Character
An actor's portrayal of someone in a play;
She played the part of Desdemona
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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
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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
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Dec 27, 2023
Character
A written symbol that is used to represent speech;
The Greek alphabet has 24 characters
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Character
The stable traits that determine a person's responses to situations.
His character remained unshaken in the face of adversity.
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Character
A person's good qualities, such as integrity, honesty, and kindness.
She is known for her strong character and compassion.
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Character
The combination of traits and qualities distinguishing the individual nature of a person.
True character is exhibited in how one treats others.
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Dec 27, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is character in a person?
Character refers to a person's intrinsic qualities, values, and ethics.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 03, 2024
How important is character?
Character is crucial as it dictates a person's actions and decisions.
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Jan 03, 2024
Is reputation always accurate?
Reputation may not always accurately reflect a person's true character.
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How is reputation formed?
Reputation is formed through others' perceptions and opinions about a person.
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Can character change over time?
Character can evolve, but core aspects are generally stable.
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Is character observable?
Character is often observed through a person's consistent actions over time.
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Are character and personality the same?
No, character is about moral qualities, while personality includes behaviors and attitudes.
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How can reputation be improved?
Reputation can be improved by consistently demonstrating positive qualities and actions.
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What factors influence reputation?
Reputation is influenced by social interactions, media, and public perceptions.
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Is character important in leadership?
Yes, character is essential in leadership for trust and credibility.
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Does reputation reflect reality?
Reputation may not always align with reality, as it's based on others' perceptions.
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Jan 03, 2024
Can reputation affect one's life?
Yes, reputation can significantly impact personal and professional opportunities.
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Jan 03, 2024
How does social media affect reputation?
Social media can rapidly influence and alter a person's reputation.
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Jan 03, 2024
Can reputation be controlled?
One can influence, but not fully control, their reputation.
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Jan 03, 2024
What is the relationship between character and success?
Strong character can contribute to long-term success and fulfillment.
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Jan 03, 2024
Does character influence behavior?
Yes, character significantly influences a person's behavior and choices.
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Can character be measured?
Character is subjective and not easily quantifiable.
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Jan 03, 2024
How do cultures differ in valuing character and reputation?
Different cultures may place varying levels of importance on character and reputation.
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Jan 03, 2024
Can a good character overcome a bad reputation?
Over time, a good character can help improve or overcome a negative reputation.
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Jan 03, 2024
Can organizations have character and reputation?
Yes, organizations can have both, reflected in their values and public perception.
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Jan 03, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.