What's the difference between "character" and "characteristic?"

Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
Good question! A "characteristic" is a specific quality or feature that someone has, whereas a "character" is a group of these characteristics and qualities that make up the whole person. So a "characteristic" refers to one part of someone or something, whereas "character" refers to a whole person or someone in a show, book, movie, and so on. "Character" can mean one's moral qualities as well. Ex: I think kindness is such a nice characteristic in people. => one feature or part of a person Ex: She has a great character and is very reliable. => moral quality Ex: Harry Potter is my favorite character in the books. => whole person