Which statement best characterizes a dictatorship?
The answer is that the leader maintains power by force.
Hitler, for example.
He wasn't born into power. He was an ordinary guy with a bad haircut that joined a party in Germany called the "Nazi's Party". It was after World War 1 that many turned to extreme decisions and leaders, and Hitler was chosen as Chancellor after he had done things that would surprise a nation. (He tried overthrowing Germany's regime for instance and was jailed for treason). People turned to him because he made them feel good about their race, and they wanted someone whom could take them out of the poverty they were facing after Germany was in debt.
In general, dictators tend to use force to control, and usually get rid of any political opposition. Those are the characteristics.
I really do hope this helps. :)