'character' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'kharaktēr,' where 'kharassein' meant 'to engrave.'

'kharaktēr' transformed into the Latin word 'character,' and eventually became the modern English word 'character' through Old French.

Initially, it meant 'a distinctive mark,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'personality traits' and 'a person in a story.'