Character vs. Conduct — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 6, 2023
Character is the intrinsic moral and ethical qualities of an individual; Conduct refers to one's actions and behavior.
Difference Between Character and Conduct
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Character denotes the inherent qualities and traits that define a person’s essence. Conduct, on the other hand, signifies the external manifestations of those intrinsic traits.
While Character is an amalgamation of one's values, ethics, and beliefs, Conduct is the demonstration or display of those values in real-world scenarios.
Character is often seen as the foundation of a person's identity, representing who they genuinely are at their core. In contrast, Conduct is observable and can be judged or assessed based on one's actions or deeds.
It's possible for someone to have a good Character, underlined by strong moral principles, but falter in their Conduct when placed in certain situations.
Both Character and Conduct are essential in judging a person's true nature, but while Character is constant, Conduct can change based on circumstances.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Intrinsic moral and ethical qualities.
Observable actions and behavior of an individual.
Constancy
Typically remains constant throughout life.
Can vary based on situations and influences.
Judgement
Judged internally and is subjective.
Judged externally based on observable actions.
Development
Formed over time through experiences.
Manifests based on current circumstances.
Perception
About who a person truly is at their core.
About how a person acts in particular situations.
Compare with Definitions
Character
The aggregate of features and traits that form an individual's nature.
She has a strong character that never bows to pressure.
Conduct
To guide or lead.
She will conduct the orchestra at tonight's performance.
Character
Strength or fortitude.
Facing that adversity really showed his true character.
Conduct
The act of directing; management.
The conduct of the event was seamless thanks to her planning.
Character
The combination of mental characteristics and behavior that distinguishes a person or group.
Conduct
A person's behavior in a particular place or in a particular role.
The student's conduct in class has been commendable.
Character
The distinguishing nature of something.
Conduct
The manner in which a person behaves, especially in a particular place or situation
They were arrested for disorderly conduct
A code of conduct for directors of listed companies
Character
Moral strength; integrity
An educational program designed to develop character.
Conduct
The manner in which an organization or activity is managed or directed
The conduct of the elections
Character
Public estimation of someone; reputation
Personal attacks that damaged her character.
Conduct
Organize and carry out
Surveys conducted among students
In the second trial he conducted his own defence
Character
(Biology) A structure, function, or attribute of an organism, influenced by genetic, environmental, and developmental factors.
Conduct
Lead or guide (someone) to or around a particular place
He conducted us through his personal gallery of the Civil War
Character
A person considered as having a specific quality or attribute
"Being a man of the world and a public character, [he] took everything as a matter of course" (George Eliot).
Conduct
Transmit (a form of energy such as heat or electricity) by conduction
Heat is conducted to the surface
Character
A person considered funny or eccentric
Catcalls from some character in the back row.
Conduct
Direct the performance of (a piece of music or an orchestra, choir, etc.)
The concert is to be conducted by Sir Simon Rattle
Character
A person portrayed in an artistic piece, such as a drama or novel.
Conduct
Behave in a specified way
He conducted himself with the utmost propriety
Character
A person or animal portrayed with a personality in comics or animation
A cartoon character.
Conduct
To direct the course of; manage or control
A police officer who conducts traffic.
A scientist who conducts experiments.
Character
Characterization in fiction or drama
A script that is weak in plot but strong in character.
Conduct
To lead or guide
Conducted the tourists through the museum.
Character
Status or role; capacity
In his character as the father.
Conduct
(Music) To direct the performance of (an orchestra or chorus, for example).
Character
A description of a person's attributes, traits, or abilities.
Conduct
To serve as a medium for conveying; transmit
Some metals conduct heat.
Character
A formal written statement as to competency and dependability, given by an employer to a former employee; a recommendation.
Conduct
To comport (oneself) in a specified way
The students conducted themselves with dignity throughout the ceremony.
Character
A mark or symbol used in a writing system.
Conduct
To act as a director or conductor.
Character
A Chinese character.
Conduct
To show the way; lead.
Character
One of a set of symbols, such as letters or numbers, that are arranged to express information.
Conduct
The way a person acts, especially from the standpoint of morality and ethics.
Character
The numerical code representing such a character.
Conduct
The act of directing or controlling; management.
Character
(Mathematics) The trace function of a representation.
Conduct
(Obsolete) A guide; an escort.
Character
A style of printing or writing
"Here is the hand and seal of the Duke.
You know the character" (Shakespeare).
Conduct
The act or method of controlling or directing.
Character
A cipher or code for secret writing.
Conduct
Skillful guidance or management.
Character
Of or relating to one's character.
Conduct
Behaviour; the manner of behaving.
Good conduct will be rewarded and likewise poor conduct will be punished.
Character
Specializing in the interpretation of often minor roles that emphasize fixed personality traits or specific physical characteristics
A character actor.
Conduct
(of a literary work) Plot.
Character
Of or relating to the interpretation of such roles by an actor
The character part of the hero's devoted mother.
Conduct
(obsolete) Convoy; escort; person who accompanies another.
Character
Dedicated to the portrayal of a person with regard to distinguishing psychological or physical features
A character sketch.
Conduct
(archaic) Something which carries or conveys anything; a channel; an instrument; a conduit.
Character
To write, print, engrave, or inscribe.
Conduct
To lead, or guide; to escort.
Character
To portray or describe; characterize.
Conduct
(transitive) To lead; to direct; to be in charge of (people or tasks)
The commander conducted thousands of troops.
To conduct the affairs of a kingdom
Character
(countable) A being involved in the action of a story.
Conduct
To behave.
He conducted himself well.
Character
(countable) A distinguishing feature; characteristic; trait; phene.
A single locus governing the petal colour character was detected on the linkage group A2.
Conduct
(transitive) To serve as a medium for conveying; to transmit (heat, light, electricity, etc.)
Character
A complex of traits marking a person, group, breed, or type.
A study of the suspect's character and his cast iron alibi ruled him out.
Conduct
To direct, as the leader in the performance of a musical composition.
Character
(uncountable) Strength of mind; resolution; independence; individuality; moral strength.
He has a great deal of character.
"You may not like to eat liver," said Calvin's father, "but it builds character."
Conduct
(intransitive) To act as a conductor (as of heat, electricity, etc.); to carry.
Character
(countable) A unique or extraordinary individual; a person characterized by peculiar or notable traits, especially charisma.
Julius Caesar is a great historical character.
That bloke is such a character.
Conduct
(transitive) To carry out (something organized)
Character
(countable) A written or printed symbol, or letter.
Conduct
The act or method of conducting; guidance; management.
Christianity has humanized the conduct of war.
The conduct of the state, the administration of its affairs.
Character
Style of writing or printing; handwriting; the particular form of letters used by a person or people.
An inscription in the Runic character
Conduct
Skillful guidance or management; generalship.
Conduct of armies is a prince's art.
Attacked the Spaniards . . . with great impetuosity, but with so little conduct, that his forces were totally routed.
Character
A secret cipher; a way of writing in code.
Conduct
Convoy; escort; guard; guide.
I will be your conduct.
In my conduct shall your ladies come.
Character
One of the basic elements making up a text file or string: a code representing a printing character or a control character.
Conduct
That which carries or conveys anything; a channel; a conduit; an instrument.
Although thou hast been conduct of my shame.
Character
A person or individual, especially one who is unknown.
We saw a shady character slinking out of the office with some papers.
That old guy is a real character.
Conduct
The manner of guiding or carrying one's self; personal deportment; mode of action; behavior.
All these difficulties were increased by the conduct of Shrewsbury.
What in the conduct of our life appearsSo well designed, so luckily begun,But when we have our wish, we wish undone?
Character
A complex number representing an element of a finite Abelian group.
Conduct
Plot; action; construction; manner of development.
The book of Job, in conduct and diction.
Character
(countable) Quality, position, rank, or capacity; quality or conduct with respect to a certain office or duty.
In the miserable character of a slave
In his character as a magistrate
Conduct
To lead, or guide; to escort; to attend.
I can conduct you, lady, to a lowBut loyal cottage, where you may be safe.
Character
The estimate, individual or general, put upon a person or thing; reputation.
A man's character for truth and veracity
Her actions give her a bad character.
Conduct
To lead, as a commander; to direct; to manage; to carry on; as, to conduct the affairs of a kingdom.
Little skilled in the art of conducting a siege.
Character
A reference given to a servant, attesting to their behaviour, competence, etc.
Conduct
To behave; - with the reflexive; as, he conducted himself well.
Character
Personal appearance.
Conduct
To serve as a medium for conveying; to transmit, as heat, light, electricity, etc.
Character
(obsolete) To write (using characters); to describe.
Conduct
To direct, as the leader in the performance of a musical composition.
Character
A distinctive mark; a letter, figure, or symbol.
It were much to be wished that there were throughout the world but one sort of character for each letter to express it to the eye.
Conduct
To act as a conductor (as of heat, electricity, etc.); to carry.
Character
Style of writing or printing; handwriting; the peculiar form of letters used by a particular person or people; as, an inscription in the Runic character.
You know the character to be your brother's?
Conduct
To conduct one's self; to behave.
Character
The peculiar quality, or the sum of qualities, by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others; the stamp impressed by nature, education, or habit; that which a person or thing really is; nature; disposition.
The character or that dominion.
Know well each Ancient's proper character;His fable, subject, scope in every page;Religion, Country, genius of his Age.
A man of . . . thoroughly subservient character.
Conduct
Manner of acting or conducting yourself
Character
Strength of mind; resolution; independence; individuality; as, he has a great deal of character.
Conduct
(behavioral attributes) the way a person behaves toward other people
Character
Moral quality; the principles and motives that control the life; as, a man of character; his character saves him from suspicion.
Conduct
Direct the course of; manage or control;
You cannot conduct business like this
Character
Quality, position, rank, or capacity; quality or conduct with respect to a certain office or duty; as, in the miserable character of a slave; in his character as a magistrate; her character as a daughter.
Conduct
Lead, as in the performance of a composition;
Conduct an orchestra; Bairenboim conducted the Chicago symphony for years
Character
The estimate, individual or general, put upon a person or thing; reputation; as, a man's character for truth and veracity; to give one a bad character.
This subterraneous passage is much mended since Seneca gave so bad a character of it.
Conduct
Behave in a certain manner;
She carried herself well
He bore himself with dignity
They conducted themselves well during these difficult times
Character
A written statement as to behavior, competency, etc., given to a servant.
Conduct
Transmit or serve as the medium for transmission;
Sound carries well over water
The airwaves carry the sound
Many metals conduct heat
Character
A unique or extraordinary individuality; a person characterized by peculiar or notable traits; a person who illustrates certain phases of character; as, Randolph was a character; Cæsar is a great historical character.
Conduct
Take somebody somewhere;
We lead him to our chief
Can you take me to the main entrance?
He conducted us to the palace
Character
One of the persons of a drama or novel.
Conduct
Lead musicians in the performance of;
Bernstein conducted Mahler like no other conductor
She cannot conduct modern pieces
Character
To engrave; to inscribe.
These trees shall be my books.And in their barks my thoughts I 'll character.
Conduct
The manner in which a person behaves.
His conduct at the meeting was professional and courteous.
Character
To distinguish by particular marks or traits; to describe; to characterize.
Conduct
To transmit or serve as a medium for (heat, electricity, sound, etc.)
Metals conduct electricity well.
Character
An imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story);
She is the main character in the novel
Character
A characteristic property that defines the apparent individual nature of something;
Each town has a quality all its own
The radical character of our demands
Character
The inherent complex of attributes that determine a persons moral and ethical actions and reactions;
Education has for its object the formation of character
Character
An actor's portrayal of someone in a play;
She played the part of Desdemona
Character
A person of a specified kind (usually with many eccentricities);
A real character
A strange character
A friendly eccentric
The capable type
A mental case
Character
Good repute;
He is a man of character
Character
A formal recommendation by a former employer to a potential future employer describing the person's qualifications and dependability;
Requests for character references are all to often answered evasively
Character
A written symbol that is used to represent speech;
The Greek alphabet has 24 characters
Character
Engrave or inscribe characters on
Character
The moral and ethical qualities of an individual.
His character is impeccable; he always stands by his principles.
Character
Reputation of an individual.
He has a character to uphold in society, ensuring he acts with integrity.
Character
Distinctive qualities that make one individual different from others.
Her character is so unique, making her stand out in a crowd.
Common Curiosities
How does Conduct relate to Character?
Conduct is the external manifestation of a person's Character.
Can Conduct be controlled or changed?
Yes, Conduct can be influenced by external factors and can be changed.
Is it accurate to judge someone solely based on their Conduct?
Not entirely, as Conduct can vary, but it does offer insights into their Character.
Can someone's Conduct differ from their Character?
Yes, while Character remains consistent, Conduct can change based on circumstances.
What is the primary distinction between Character and Conduct?
Character is intrinsic, while Conduct is observable.
How are Character and Conduct related to one's reputation?
Character forms the foundation of one's reputation, while Conduct influences public perception.
Is Character something inborn or developed?
Character can be both inborn and developed over time through experiences.
What does Character refer to in a person?
Character refers to the intrinsic moral and ethical qualities of an individual.
How can one judge another's Character?
Character is subjective and is often judged internally, based on one's values and beliefs.
Can a person have a good Character but poor Conduct?
Yes, certain situations can lead someone with good Character to display poor Conduct.
How is Character built?
Character is built through experiences, upbringing, and personal reflections.
Can Conduct affect one's Character?
Repeated Conduct can influence one's Character over time.
Is it easier to assess Character or Conduct?
Conduct is easier to assess as it is observable, while Character is more subjective.
Can one's Character change over time?
While Character is more constant, significant life events can influence and change it.
Which is more important, Character or Conduct?
Both are important. While Character defines who we are, Conduct defines how we present ourselves to the world.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
