Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Character

Character , noun

[Latin, an instrument for marking, character, Greek {not transcribed}, from {not transcribed} to make sharp, to cut into furrows, to engrave: compare French caractère.]

1.
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. — Holder
2.
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? — Shakespeare
3.
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. — Milton
Know well each Ancient's proper character; His fable, subject, scope in every page; Religion, Country, genius of his Age. — Pope
A man of... thoroughly subservient character. — Motley
4.
Strength of mind; resolution; independence; individuality; as, he has a great deal of character.
5.
Moral quality; the principles and motives that control the life; as, a man of character; his character saves him from suspicion.
6.
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.
7.
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. — Addison
8.
A written statement as to behavior, competency, etc., given to a servant. [Colloquial]
9.
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; Casar is a great historical character.
10.
One of the persons of a drama or novel.

“It would be well if character and reputation were used distinctively. In truth, character is what a person is; reputation is what he is supposed to be. Character is in himself, reputation is in the minds of others. Character is injured by temptations, and by wrongdoing; reputation by slanders, and libels. Character endures throughout defamation in every form, but perishes when there is a voluntary transgression; reputation may last through numerous transgressions, but be destroyed by a single, and even an unfounded, accusation or aspersion.” Abbott.

Character , transitive verb

1.
To engrave; to inscribe. [Rare]
These trees shall be my books. And in their barks my thoughts I 'll character. — Shakespeare
2.
To distinguish by particular marks or traits; to describe; to characterize. [Rare] — Mitford