Final answer:
The media is not traditionally considered a primary agent of character development in the past; rather, the family, school, and religious institutions have played more central roles in shaping character and values. The correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the past, all of the following have been functions of character development except the media. Character development has traditionally been influenced by the family, which is typically the earliest agent of socialization, providing critical values and norms to individuals from an early age. Schools and religious institutions are also fundamental in character development, playing key roles in teaching social behaviors, beliefs, and value systems.
Religious institutions have had a profound impact as they uphold and teach gender norms, offer shared community experiences, and provide material culture interactions. These facets contribute significantly to an individual's social and political socialization. Moreover, the family's influence remains pronounced throughout an individual's life, significantly shaping their views on various matters including politics, religion, and work.
However, while the media can influence character, it is not traditionally seen as a primary socializing agent compared to the family, school, and religious institutions. The media's role in character development tends to be more contemporary and thus is not included in the historical agents of socialization.