What is a Character Trait? It's an Attribute to Define Your Core Values!

"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." John Wooden

What is a character trait? One definition describes it as, "individual qualities or attributes that make up a person's character. These descriptions can be physical, emotional, mental, or moral."

As accountable citizens, qualities and attributes that make up our character are especially relevant. And since physical, emotional, mental, and moral cover the gamut of human qualities, a look at these character traits can guide our efforts in doing the right things for the right reasons.  Recognizing the important difference  between accountability and responsibility is an empowering discovery that you can read more about in this follow-up page.

What is a Character Trait?

Character traits are pressure sensitive. They present themselves when the going gets tough. It is a double-edged sword as the negative traits are most visible in challenging circumstances. And when opportunities arise. Corrupt people will be corrupt when they are threatened or when they can profit from corruption. Dishonest people will lie when it fits their agenda.

On the flip side, courageous people will show their courage when it is most needed. People with kind hearts, even those who don't realize they have such a character trait, will be kind when it is most needed. And when clear thinking is required, people who have knowledge will show the way.

Character traits are the source of core values.  Core values are the action steps that support our core ideals.  You can use this page as the starting point to recognizing and acting upon the core values that will guide your life in a meaningful way. 

We won't list any negative character traits in the following block because being accountable citizens is a positive experience. Our editor team has different personality types. In support of one of our people who is definitely a sanguine personality, we will give you a list of positive character traits in no particular order. Some of us would prefer this list to be alphabetized and have bullet points. But we're going free-spirited here. (We'll get to a more-organized list a little farther down the page.)

In our page about core values you will learn an easy exercise to recognize the core values that inspire you to take positve action. Some of the following words might fit for you.

Determination   Trustworthiness
Fairness               Service
Happiness           Honesty
Wisdom               Influence
Peace                   Responsibility
Optimism'           Justice
Kindness             Meaningful Work
Leadership         Loyalty
Courage              Compassion
Creative              Humble
Patient                Disciplined
Flexible               Curious

In the next block we have an image with an orderly list for the melancholy personalities among us. Note how they are divided into subsections of integrity, selflessness, and responsibility, all three of which are in and of themselves definitive character traits. Answering the question, "What is a character trait?" is an important launching point and a target for becoming accountable citizens.

In this page we'll add a guest column from T.O. Illustratio. The author looks into three human qualities through the lens of an old classic movie. Our younger readers might not know of this movie. We'll go deeper into some of these character traits in future pages. We hope you enjoy this insightful story from T.O. Illustratio.

A Wizardly Question of Heart, Brain, and Courage

(Editor's note about the author: T.O. Illustratio is a free lance writer and observer of the interaction of personalities in everyday life. The author seeks to inspire readers to look within themselves to see how much good they can do in this world when a definitive purpose in life is clear.)

"Who could have known that a film classic might evoke a question of which trait is more valuable? In the ever-growing distance from my youth, a yearly ritual was family viewing of “The Wizard Of Oz.” After a few years we could recite all of the script and sing the lyrics to most of the songs.

That old movie also promoted an interesting question. Of the three desires longed for by some main characters, a brain, a heart, and courage, which is the most important? Decades later, the same question could be asked.

I will stipulate here and now, there were some nights of lost sleep in the early years due to a fear of those flying monkeys. Age and memory served to fade those fears away, but the good memories and the big questions are still fresh in my mind.

The Greatest Trait?

Of the three, a brain sought by the Scarecrow, the heart desired by the Tin Man, and courage, the ultimate wish of the Cowardly Lion, which is most important? Perhaps a preliminary question to that question would be, “Are we interested in any of the three?”

For if our ambition is to simply exist in the short period on earth, then neither courage, heart, nor even an advanced brain is necessary. For the sake of this writing however, we’ll assume to seek a higher calling, a more defined purpose.

Along That Yellow Brick Road

As Dorothy followed the yellow brick road on her way to meet the wizard, she picked up some interesting travel companions. She met a Scarecrow so dim-witted, he was only qualified to chase away birds.

Not satisfied to simply exist in this lot in life, he desired a brain that could solve problems, could improve his own lot, and as we would learn on the yellow brick road, improve the lives of others.

The Tin Man was sentenced to an isolated exile in a metal suit because of an angry demeanor. But he wished for a heart that would unleash the caring nature buried deep within the metal barrier.

And finally joining Dorothy on her quest for a way back home, the Cowardly Lion appeared, full of initial bluster, but lacking any real courage to back up his growls and gestures. But he wasn’t really looking for courage as a means to evil. No, his aching for courage was to be a difference-maker in a very positive manner.

As a spoiler alert for any who have never seen “The Wizard of Oz,” in the end, as all feel-good movies end, the good guys prevail. All three characters who walked with Dorothy had the respective strengths for which they longed. They never realized those traits were already there inside them. Until those wishes were needed to help their friend, Dorothy.

And The Answer To That Question

My apologies for digressing from the initial question of which trait is most important? Some context was needed to consider the question. And in truth, a return visit to the simplicity of youthful life always invokes a warm glow.

But back to the present. An advanced brain has to be a huge advantage for all of us who follow our own yellow brick road to make a difference in the lives of our fellow humans.

And the courage to act on the wisdom of our brain is crucial. The world is well-stocked with geniuses. There are countless academics who can relate indisputable theories of how life could be better for all. But without courage, those noble thoughts remain dormant, with no positive impact provided.

History is replete with biographies of evil geniuses who brought horror to our world. There are legions of people with courage to spare, but limited vision and purpose.

No, I would humbly submit that heart is most important. A caring spirit emanating from a generous heart will guide our brains to decision-making that benefits humanity. The courage will be there to break inertia and overcome any trepidation of acting on our heart’s conviction.

It is my sincere belief that like the characters in “The Wizard of Oz” when we pull back the curtain, we’ll see that we have caring hearts and have had all along.

Will we channel those caring hearts to lead our brains and inspire our courage? Now that is another important question!"

Written by T.O. Illustratio

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