Knowing Your Characters Is Exploring Your Inner Personality
Characters is an article designed to guide you through understanding human characteristics, their origins, their applications, and their significance in our lives. This article delves into one of the most undervalued and neglected aspects of our humanity. With that introduction, let us examine the key points in this significant article.
WHAT ARE HUMAN CHARACTERS?
In the context of this article, ‘characters’ refers to the traits of a person, which can also be described as manners, behaviors, or even lifestyle. Each person is unique, possessing distinct characters or manners shaped by nature and nurture alike.
Our thoughts, speech, and actions reflect our true manners and characters. This concept is mirrored in entertainment, where individuals in books, films, or plays are called ‘characters.’ They are defined by their distinct views, beliefs, thoughts, expressions, and actions, allowing us to anticipate their next move once we understand their character.
While we may use various terms to describe someone’s behavior, patterns exist both in humans and animals. Certain animals, like some humans, show quick irritation, while others are more patient. Observing these patterns in animals can offer insights into human behavior, provided we take the time to watch and learn from their actions.
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HOW DO WE GET OUR HUMAN CHARACTERS?
Humans acquire their characteristics through two primary means: nature and nurture. Our thoughts, speech, and actions are deeply rooted in our human nature. We are inherently human, and it is this essence that shapes who we are. Similarly, our ability to listen, comprehend, gain knowledge, and exhibit wisdom is a testament to our existence as human beings, influenced by our character and manners.
Certain traits are innate, and despite our desires or efforts to alter them, they remain unchanged, distinguishing us from others. Our minds and hearts are unique; our natures differ because we are individuals. Many of these traits are inherited from our parents, echoing the truth in the adage, “like father, like son.”
Yet, it is possible to adopt a persona that does not reflect our true selves. This is often seen in religious contexts, where individuals conform to the expectations of a group, despite their internal beliefs. Cultural expectations also play a role, influencing personal decisions such as marriage and divorce.
A wife is often expected to act and behave in certain ways, following specific norms and orders. However, these expectations are often a facade and not a reflection of one’s true self. While people may perceive us through this pretense, it does not define our true identity. Eventually, we may break free from this facade and embrace our genuine selves. Peer pressure serves as another instance where we conform to roles that are not our own, driven by ego and pride. For instance, I got scarification marks on my forehead at the age of 15, succumbing to the trend among my peers.
My father advised against it, believing I was too young and fearing that I would bring him shame by crying during the procedure. More information about scarification practices in our community can be found in a specific book. Indeed, we may inherit traits and behaviors from our parents or other relatives, such as great-grandparents or siblings, a process known as biological inheritance. Additionally, our environment contributes significantly to shaping our individual and collective identities.
HOW DO WE USE OUR HUMAN CHARACTERS?
We naturally exhibit our character traits, whether they are perceived as good or bad. Recognizing that we are distinct and special from others is the key to utilizing our character effectively. These traits can be seen as good, bad, or even evil, depending on their nature and the perspective of the observer. We also tend to interpret things in our own way.
We express who we are to the world through both our innate and cultivated characteristics. Often, we don’t consciously think about our behavior and lifestyle; they simply occur. Our character and lifestyle are how people come to know us, setting us apart from everyone else. Our human characteristics are our fundamental behaviors, not something we choose to turn on or off.
In movies, actors must learn and pretend to be the characters they portray to make the film seem authentic rather than fictional. They need to personify the scripted characters so closely that they almost perfectly match them. Similarly, we reveal our true selves and personalities through our actions. As the saying goes, “Don’t tell me what you believe in; spend some time with me, and I will figure it out myself,” which holds truth.
Do our daily lives resemble movies in some way? Will we one day view our actions as we do scenes on a screen? Will we be judged by our thoughts, words, and deeds? Can we deny our actions? These are contemplations. However, our manners and character can lead to positive or negative outcomes. This is the crux of the discussion: Are we using our character and abilities appropriately?
WHAT’S THE IMPORTANCE OF CHARACTERS?
Our characteristics significantly impact both ourselves and those around us. However, the key lies in understanding ourselves by examining our mannerisms and lifestyles, which can be done individually. This process of self-discovery is crucial because it enables us to strive for improvement in our self-image and behavior.
Initially, we must embrace our individuality as it is before attempting to enhance or completely alter something. Our traits influence not only us but also those we coexist with. Naturally, some individuals are talkative while others are not, which can lead to misunderstandings when such diverse personalities cohabitate. Talkative individuals may perceive the less vocal as uninteresting or unengaged.
Nevertheless, recognizing our differences can foster harmonious coexistence with all types of people. It’s essential to acknowledge that not every person is alike. Our children, for instance, are unique individuals; they are not obligated to mirror our thoughts and actions. This realization prompts us to reflect on our character and conduct.
Ultimately, we remain true to our nature, regardless of attempts to emulate others. God created us uniquely, and I believe He takes joy in observing us. When I envision God looking at me and smiling, I feel a sense of pride in His creation. I cherish my uniqueness and also find joy in the distinctiveness of others, as it reaffirms God’s love for them just as they are.
MY FINAL WORDS
We have explored the nature of human characteristics, their origins, applications, and significance in our lives. However, mere knowledge is not inherently useful. It implies that we are inherently who we are, and this is my final counsel to you. We cannot create, recreate, or alter our human essence. Our only option is to uncover and then endeavor to enhance our traits as they exist.
Consider your traits for a moment, and then assess whether you can enhance or even alter them. Note that I am not suggesting you can change your nature, but rather your character and behavior. These are entirely separate concepts. Character and behavior are manifestations of our internal programming, our nature. We might train ourselves to think and act in a certain way, leading others to perceive us as changed, but this is merely an alteration of our behavior. Eventually, we revert to our default state, which is our authentic and true nature.
I trust that the article on Characters has been beneficial to you on a personal level. I invite you to share your reflections on it. Your insights on this article would be greatly valued if you could leave them in the comments section below. May God bless and protect you and your loved ones during and beyond the global pandemic. Shalom!
FURTHER READINGS
- Character Meaning—Your Dictionary.
- Character—Literary Terms.