Interactive Knowledge Update on exploring an often-discussed word ‘CHARACTER’

What is character?
Character refers to the set of moral and ethical traits, values, and qualities that define an individual’s behaviour and actions. It is often associated with virtues like honesty, integrity, kindness, courage, and responsibility. A person’s character is revealed through their decisions, how they treat others, and how they respond to challenges or moral dilemmas.

Having strong character typically means consistently acting in a way that reflects one’s values, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. It’s seen as a foundation for trust, leadership, and meaningful relationships.

How do you recognise a person of strong character?
A person of strong character is recognized by their consistent integrity, responsibility, and empathy. They are honest and dependable, owning up to mistakes and following through on commitments. Their actions reflect care for others, as they show deep understanding and compassion. Humility defines them, as they give credit where it’s due and remain open to learning. Courage enables them to stand up for their principles, even when facing adversity. With self-discipline, they maintain composure under pressure and stay focused on their goals. Their respect for others, generosity, and gratitude shine through in how they treat people from all walks of life, consistently earning respect through principled behaviour.

Is it something that is innate or is it built through experiences and effort?
Character is not solely innate; it is largely built and shaped through experiences, effort, and intentional choices. While some aspects of temperament or predispositions may be influenced by genetics, character is fundamentally developed over time through a person’s actions, decisions, and how they respond to life’s challenges. Experiences, such as overcoming adversity, interacting with diverse individuals, and learning from mistakes, play a crucial role in building character. Education, guidance from role models, and personal reflection also contribute to the growth of traits like integrity, empathy, and responsibility. Essentially, character evolves through both external influences and internal effort, making it something that can be strengthened and refined over time.

Can it be taught?
Yes, character can be taught and developed through education, guidance, and intentional practice. Teaching character often involves instilling core values like honesty, empathy, responsibility, and respect, and modelling these behaviours consistently. Schools, families, and communities play a key role in shaping character by providing examples, reinforcing positive behaviours, and offering opportunities to practice moral decision-making.
Character education can include lessons on ethics, discussions about real-life dilemmas, and promoting habits like kindness and self-discipline. It is taught not just through words but also through experiences, such as participating in teamwork, community service, and facing challenges that encourage growth. While personal effort is essential, providing the right environment, mentorship, and support can greatly enhance a person’s character development, making it something that can be actively cultivated throughout life.

How does this relate to children?
When it comes to children, character development is especially crucial, as they are in a formative stage where values and behaviours are still being shaped. Children learn character both through direct teaching and by observing the adults around them. Positive role models, such as parents, teachers, and community members, play a significant role in demonstrating traits like kindness, honesty, and responsibility.

For children, character education involves teaching them the difference between right and wrong, helping them understand empathy and respect for others, and encouraging them to make thoughtful decisions. This can be reinforced through storytelling, moral lessons, and creating opportunities for children to practice these values—such as sharing, helping others, and resolving conflicts.

Children also develop character through experiences that challenge them, such as learning to handle disappointment, cooperating with peers, or dealing with the consequences of their actions. Activities like sports, group projects, and community service teach perseverance, teamwork, and accountability. By fostering a nurturing environment and guiding children through positive reinforcement and corrective feedback, we can help them build strong, resilient characters that will serve them well into adulthood.

The earlier children are exposed to character-building experiences and lessons, the more these traits become ingrained, helping them grow into well-rounded, responsible individuals.

Character is a multifaceted concept encompassing moral, ethical, and personality traits that define an individual’s behavior, values, and principles. At its core, character comprises values, integrity, morality, empathy, resilience, and responsibility. Developing strong character involves self-awareness, self regulation, social learning, and experience. It plays a vital role in building trust, influencing relationships, guiding decision-making, and contributing to personal growth. However, character faces challenges from social pressures, emotional turmoil, moral dilemmas, and personal biases. To cultivate strong character, practice self-reflection, engage in community service, develop emotional intelligence, and seek mentorship. As Heraclitus said, “Character is destiny”, emphasizing its profound impact on our lives.

About the Speaker: Ms.Pavithra Rajagopalan
Pavithra Rajagopalan has worked with children in formal, non-formal and informal settings since 2001.