Not all people are the same, we differ both physically and in personality and behavior, for example, there are those who are quieter than others, while there are more extroverted people.
It is that touch of difference that makes us individual and unique beings, that which distinguishes us or by which we are recognized, but that develops with time and circumstances until it becomes more solid.
- You may be interested in: “The 6 differences between personality, character and temperament”.
This phenomenon is known as character and everyone has their own.Although there are more global characteristics that we can share with other people. Therefore, in this article we will talk about everything related to human character and the types that exist, will you be able to identify yours?
What is character?
It is possible to define it as the set of reactions, habits and behaviors that are acquired since childhood and give that singular particularity of being individual. In addition, it becomes over time what we call ‘our way of being’ and influences the way in which we act and behave. and influences the way we face everyday problems and adapt to our environment.
According to psychological studies and research, it has been determined that character is influenced by the cultural factors of the society in which we live. Although many authors such as Freud, Lewin, Klages and Lersch, have established the idea that character does not manifest itself definitively during childhood, on the contrary, it goes through a series of stages until it is completed at the end of adolescence.
Character in ancient Greece
Throughout history there have been different theories that seek to explain the appearance of character, For example, in ancient Greece it was believed that bodily fluids were responsible for a person’s character, and they classified them as “body fluids” or “body fluids”. and classified them into the following.
1. Blood character
A person with this type of character is calm and courageous, and can become selfish, distrustful, insolent and daring. They are passionate about work and money, find it very easy to relate to others, have liberal thoughts about politics and have a facility to understand everything that is difficult and complicated.
2. Choleric character
This type of character defines an individual who adapts quickly to changes, is always in a good mood, although they tend to get angry easily. They like changes and go in search of new adventures. For this reason, discipline and patience are not in their vocabulary, which makes them active, extroverted, innovative and very talkative people.
3. Phlegmatic character
People defined by this character are distinguished by being patient, persevering and methodical. They do not know how to make decisions because they think about the consequences of their actions. They are very intelligent, take everything calmly, are introspective and open-minded.
4. Melancholic character
It refers to introverted, reserved and prudent individuals, they do not act lightly, on the contrary, their actions are made under a previous study of the situation. They love their family and friends, they are very sociable but do not seek adventure and risk.
Factors that influence character
Experts have established that the character is able to change over the years thanks to various internal and external factors, here are their hypotheses.
Genetic inheritance
Many studies have shown that character does not have its origin in genetic inheritance, such as physical traits, for example, eye color, height, skin tone, or some diseases that are hereditary. In short, character is not inherited.
2. Influence of education
Education helps shape a person’s behavior. For example, a child can be very shy, but if he is taught tools that allow him to be more communicative, decisive, expressive and increase his self-esteem, he will become a totally different being without any trace of shyness.
Through education, aggressive behaviors and self-destructive behaviors can be modified.
3. The environment
Belonging to a certain culture or environment can influence the way we react cognitively and affectively. There are behaviors that are predetermined by belonging to a social class such as social status and professional positions.
4. The family
It exerts a great influence on the development of character since it is in the family environment where various forms of upbringing are practiced that serve as a model for children, at home children receive rewards or punishments according to their behavior and it is there where character begins to be molded.
According to these hypotheses, a person can change his character from one moment to another, and even in the same day. This is because an individual is capable of experiencing more than one character according to the situation or circumstance in which he is involved.
Character traits
Although the scientific community is not one hundred percent in agreement in this section, many affirm that there are 3 fundamental characteristics that determine character in people.
1. Emotionality
This refers to the disturbance produced by everyday situations. We are all moved in different ways, some react emotionally while others are less sensitive.
2. Activity
This arises through the courage we have to satisfy a need. An active person needs to act in the face of an obstacle. In the opposite case, a non-active individual becomes discouraged very quickly and often gives up any struggle to overcome difficulties.
3. Resonance
The effect that different situations of daily life have on a person. If the scenario occurs when the individual is in a moment where emotion overwhelms him, he tends to react quickly and categorically to offenses, but soon forgets them. If, on the other hand, the individual’s mood is low when going through a difficult situation, he will act differently and not to resolve the situation.
Types of character
Know below the types of character that exist and see if you can distinguish yours.
1. Nervous
Those people with this type of character are characterized by constantly changing their occupation and interests, they are usually enthusiastic about new ideas, but they only look for what is practical and comfortable. They are very disorderly, undisciplined and not persevering individuals since their will is weak.
Another outstanding aspect of this type of character is that higher mental attitudes such as comprehension, memorization and logical reasoning are very difficult for them, and they work only when the tasks coincide with their interests.
2. Sentimental
Individuals with this character tend to isolate themselves and prefer to live in solitude, they are easily intimidated. They are also known to be resentful and not easily forgiving. Although they tend to do their homework well, they are discouraged by any eventuality.
Very strong feelings and emotions, whether positive or negative, are present in their lives. They are very observant, evocative, obsessive, stubborn, idealistic and romantic, they do not accept change and often do not accept themselves.
3. Choleric
They are people who are always busy and love to do new things, but due to their impulses they improvise and fall into dispersion. When there is a difficulty, this individual abandons everything because he gets stressed quickly.
They do not like group work, although they are very good at inventing, creating and organizing. They tend not to synthesize things and have little capacity to acquire new knowledge.
4. Passionate
They are very good workers but are inclined to work in a solitary way, they usually devote themselves to help their fellows. They are very intelligent and have a great imagination, they excel in mathematics and are passionate about history and reading.
They are interested in the social, religious and political part since they have an altruistic behavior. They face obstacles without fear and overcome them thanks to their work.
5. Amorphous
Their life is centered only on sleeping and eating, they are lazy by nature, unpunctual and wasteful. Although they present themselves to others as very sociable and communicative individuals. They are analytical but in a superficial way, shy away from work, do not like to fulfill their tasks and are very disorderly.
They are highly impressionable individuals because they lack the willpower to resist the suggestions of others.
6. Apathetic
They are very sad, apathetic and melancholic people, although they are also hostile and stubborn. Routine is their way of life as they are passive, lazy and indifferent; they lack stimulation and are not bright.
Their emotions are negative and persist constantly over time and they love to be alone as they find it difficult to relate to other people.
7. Obsessive
This type of character is typical of ritualistic and routine people as they are very anxious because they tend to worry too much about daily problems that even if they are small, they see them as very big.
This has a negative effect on their mood as they tend to be perfectionists, orderly, maniacal and with an exaggerated need to clean their environment and their own body.
8. Sensitive
They are individuals with extreme sensitivity to noises and strong smells, as well as to criticism from other people, they are unable to make any kind of decision. They are highly empathetic and are compassionate with others.
They do not take risks easily to experience new experiences, work very well in teams but do not like to make the final decisions.
Character influences a person in their way of life, in their work environment and in their daily activities to either facilitate or hinder them. That’s why it’s important to know what your character type is so you can recognize your strengths to enhance them and your weaknesses to counterattack them.