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CHARACTER TRAITS - DEFINED PERSONALITY
Marian Baltazar
Class of 1980, University of the Philippines College of Manila
AB Political Science
Everyone has good and bad character traits and these can be referred to as the defined personality of every
individual. What makes up a person’s personality are all these different character traits that every individual
possesses. All aspects of our behavior and attitudes make up a person’s personality and these therefore are
what we call character traits. Actually, it is also prevalent even with the characters that we see in a book. They
all boil down to character traits which are often shown by descriptive adjectives such as kind, patient, loving,
caring jealous and a whole lot more.
We all have character traits but we must admit that it differs from one another. Character traits can be
described or measured and these are the distinctive features which can be seen and are actually exhibited by
all members of a common group. Like for instance in our family, I am a very showy person and I may say that I
am a very loving, sweet, thoughtful and down-to-earth person. But of course my sons and my daughters
acquired some of these traits. Although I may say that it still differs from what kind of person each one of them
are.
Some of them have only one or two of these traits, while the others have them all. But whatever character
traits they may have or possess, they are all different from each other and that is their defined personality.
Character traits are attributes of a character, whether it is physical or emotional. So far, I have not yet met two
persons who have the same character traits, for each one is a unique person. We all have our defined
personality and a distinct one at that.
One can be an abrasive person, absent-minded, obnoxious, brave, anxious, stubborn, light-headed, intelligent,
adventurous, affectionate, sincere and independent. Very common character traits are careful, loyal, strong,
responsible, lovable, humorous, helpful, kind, open-minded, caring, charming, compassionate and generous
and many more. Some may be positive character traits but others can also have negative character traits. You
can still add up to these long list and think of other traits but just the same, we consider these traits as defined
personality of a person. Whatever character traits a person may possess, these traits make him different from
any other person.
In our everyday life, we use the term character or identity. Personality characterizes a person and it can be
considered stable too. Our personality does not change overnight. It doesn’t change only from one day to
another. It doesn’t change at all. If there may be changes, they may be very limited or slow. If it does so happen,
it is caused by trauma or life-changing experiences.
Yes, our personality is something that we take with us and it affects our thinking, feelings and behavior. Our
character traits are the parts that make up the personality of a character. Therefore, character traits are the
defined personality of a person.
Questions for discussion:
1. What are you very distinct character traits? How does it describe your personality as a whole?
2. Do you have what it takes to build that character in you? Explain your answer.
3. What is your attitude when it comes to the character traits of other persons? Justify your answer.
4. Are you willing to change your bad character traits? How will you do it?
5. Do you agree that our character traits define our personality, of who we really are? Explain further.