Question

ESSAY: CHARACTER COUNTS

"You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him."

–James D. Miles, American Author

What does it mean to have good character? When talking about personalities and the aspects that make us human, there is more to being a person than possessing some or all of the Big Five personality traits. Think about why you choose to be friends with certain people or why your best friend is who she is. Think about some adults or leaders in your life that you admire. Why?

Part of being a person means we have internal character—traits that define and demonstrate our beliefs and values and the way in which we view other people. Sometimes character is called moral values. President George Washington was known to be very honest. President Abraham Lincoln was very dedicated and had great wisdom. Mother Teresa was very kind and caring. In this assignment, you're going to give some consideration to your own personal character and to the character traits you value in others.

OBJECTIVES
Write a four-paragraph personal reflection essay about aspects of character.
Directions
Look through the list of positive character traits. These are just a few of many possibilities.

Loyal
Conscientious
Honest
Trustworthy
Friendly
Genuine
Courageous
Honorable
Dedicated
Faithful
Responsible
Generous
Unselfish
Loving
Forgiving
Reliable
Punctual
Humble
Wise
Humorous
Optimistic
Cheerful
Kind
Fair
Tactful
Courteous
Considerate
Thoughtful
Clean
Perceptive
Resourceful
Understanding
Empathetic
Questions
Read through each of these questions and give some thought to the answers before you actually begin to write. When you're ready, write at least four paragraphs about character, and use the questions below to guide you as you write. Be sure to address each question. Give your paper a title. You can label each paragraph if you wish.

Paragraph 1. What is your character like? Which traits describe you? What aspects of your character stand out the most?

Paragraph 2. Do you find that your character shines through in certain situations more than others? What are these instances? Explain. Where would you like to improve?

Paragraph 3. What is the character of your best friend? Which traits describe him/her? What is the character of your parents or a favorite close relative? Which traits describe him/her?

Paragraph 4. Which character traits do you find very important? Do you admire an adult or leader for their character? (Give some thought to this and explain why.)

Answer 1

Title: Reflections on Character: Building Blocks of Personal Integrity

Paragraph 1: Exploring My Character
In examining my character, several traits come to mind that define who I am. I consider myself to be loyal, responsible, and empathetic. These traits have shaped my interactions with others and guided my decision-making process. However, one aspect of my character that stands out the most is my genuine nature. I believe in being authentic and treating others with sincerity and respect.

Paragraph 2: Character in Different Situations
I have noticed that my character shines through most prominently in challenging situations. When faced with adversity, I strive to remain courageous and optimistic. These instances allow me to showcase my resilience and determination. However, I recognize that there are areas where I can improve. For instance, I would like to work on being more tactful in my communication, ensuring that my words consider the feelings and perspectives of others.

Paragraph 3: Character in Others
My best friend embodies a remarkable character. She is kind, thoughtful, and generous. Her selflessness and unwavering support make her a trusted confidante. Similarly, my parents exemplify character traits that I greatly admire. My father's wisdom and integrity have always guided me, while my mother's loving and forgiving nature has taught me the importance of compassion and empathy.

Paragraph 4: Importance of Character Traits
Among the various character traits, I find honesty, humility, and kindness to be of utmost importance. These traits create a foundation for trust, respect, and harmonious relationships. I deeply admire leaders who possess these qualities, as they inspire others through their actions and words. One adult I greatly admire is my high school teacher, Mr. Johnson. His dedication, fairness, and genuine care for his students have left a lasting impact on me, shaping my understanding of the importance of character in leadership.

In conclusion, character is an integral part of who we are as individuals. It defines our beliefs, values, and interactions with others. Through introspection, I have come to understand and appreciate the traits that make up my character. I strive to continuously improve and cultivate positive character traits, recognizing their significance in building strong relationships and making a positive impact on the world around me.