Difference Between Personality vs Character

In most cases, meeting a person for the first time exposes some shallow traits, but on a closer observation, you tend to realize that there is more to a person than meets the eye. A person who appears like an introvert may not be one, and another who appears like an extrovert may not be one. This has to do with the difference between personality and character.

We will take a look at these words including their definitions and other properties that are peculiar to each of them. While we are at it, we will throw in a comparison table towards the end of the post to show how these two compares to each other.

Definition of Personality

Personality is defined as the traits that define the surface value of a person as recognized mostly during communications with the individual. A person may be observed to be confident and outgoing, or reserved and gloomy depending on the way the person interacts with people around him or her.

This term has a Latin origin. It was coined from “persona,” which stands for mask – a meaning that causes you to pause and think. What this means is that whatever we put out there as our personality is not who we are, it is just a way of presenting ourselves or reacting to certain situations. Sometimes, a person’s personality can be straightforward, transparent, and honest, while in other cases, it may be the exact opposite of what a person is.

It will go a long way if you can understand the difference between character and personality as this will help you make better decisions about people you come into contact with.

Definition of Character

Character is defined as the deep-seated qualities that make up a person’s belief, moral compass, and sense of judgement. It is possible to find both good and bad qualities in a person. As a matter of fact, it is not likely to find a person whose character is totally good or bad. There is always a dominating side, though.

The character of a person is developed from birth and influenced by social association, education, and society in general. It is what forms the core of one’s reputation after a while of notable presence and interaction with a person.

One thing that is worthy of note in the personality vs character comparison is that the former is readily seen by just interacting with a person, even for the first time. The latter takes a while of being subjected to different situations, some of which may be pleasant or unpleasant, to surface.

Main Differences Between Personality vs Character

There is more than just the definition of these terms. They are similar in the sense that they make up the being of a person, but they have quite a number of differences you should be aware of. We have explained those differences in the table below.

Difference Between Personality and Character: Conclusion

Do you think the personality or character of a person can change? The truth is, yes, they can. But the former is more susceptible to change than the latter. Let us summarize the character vs personality comparison with “mood.”

When you are in a good mood, for instance, it is possible to be on your best behavior. You are in better control of your emotions and tend to be assertive. But when you are not in a good mood, you may ditch all of that and act in a manner that is in line with your inner person and belief.