Character vs. Figure — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 4, 2024
Character refers to a person in a story or a person's moral qualities, while figure can mean a numerical symbol, shape, or notable person.
Difference Between Character and Figure
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Characters and figures serve distinct roles in various contexts, including literature, mathematics, and historical discourse. A character typically refers to a person or persona in a narrative or story, embodying traits, behaviors, and developments that contribute to the plot and themes. Conversely, a figure can denote several different concepts depending on the context. In mathematics, figures refer to shapes or forms that are defined by boundaries, such as circles, squares, or polygons, crucial for the study of geometry.
In a broader sense, character also pertains to the set of moral and ethical qualities that define an individual’s personality, often discussed in evaluating a person's integrity or reputation. n another sense, figures represent numerical data or symbols used in calculations and statistical analyses. Additionally, the term figure can also describe a person of significance or note in various fields, such as a historical figure or a public figure, highlighting their impact or contribution to society or a particular domain.
While characters primarily relate to the realm of storytelling and personal qualities, figures span a wide range of uses from abstract mathematical concepts to the representation of important individuals. The creation and development of characters are central to literature and storytelling, providing readers with emotional connections, moral dilemmas, and the narrative drive. Figures, however, are fundamental in fields like mathematics, statistics, and history, offering a means to understand and interpret information, patterns, and the significance of individuals' contributions over time.
The distinction between character and figure highlights the versatile use of language and terms across different disciplines, each carrying specific meanings and implications within its context. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate communication and interpretation in discussions ranging from literary analysis to mathematical problem-solving and historical research.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A person in a story or moral qualities of a person
A numerical symbol, shape, or notable person
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Context
Literature, storytelling, personal integrity
Mathematics, statistics, historical or public significance
Role
Drives narrative, embodies traits
Represents data, shapes, or historical importance
Importance
Central to narrative development and theme exploration
Essential for mathematical reasoning, data analysis, historical understanding
Examples
Protagonist in a novel, a person's honesty
Geometric shapes, data in a graph, a significant leader in history
Compare with Definitions
Character
A person portrayed in a story or drama.
The character of Elizabeth Bennet adds depth to Pride and Prejudice with her wit and moral integrity.
Figure
A person of significance in a particular field.
Albert Einstein is a central figure in the history of physics.
Character
A reputation or role an individual occupies in life.
She has a character in the community as a generous supporter of local arts.
Figure
A numerical symbol or amount.
The figure on the invoice reflects the total cost of the services provided.
Character
A reference to the unique qualities or features that define something.
The building's character is defined by its Gothic architecture.
Figure
A shape or form, especially in mathematics or art.
Geometric figures are used to teach fundamental concepts in geometry.
Character
The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.
His character is marked by a profound sense of justice.
Figure
An illustration or diagram conveying information.
The research paper includes figures that illustrate the study's findings.
Character
In digital technology, a letter, number, or symbol used in writing or printing.
Passwords should contain a mix of characters for security.
Figure
The human body's form or shape.
Fashion designers often consider the figure when creating new clothing lines.
Character
The combination of mental characteristics and behavior that distinguishes a person or group.
Figure
A written or printed symbol representing something other than a letter, especially a number.
Character
The distinguishing nature of something.
Figure
Figures Mathematical calculations
Good at figures.
Character
Moral strength; integrity
An educational program designed to develop character.
Figure
An amount represented in numbers
Sold for a large figure.
Character
Public estimation of someone; reputation
Personal attacks that damaged her character.
Figure
Figures One of the digits specified as making up a larger number
A salary in the six figures.
Character
(Biology) A structure, function, or attribute of an organism, influenced by genetic, environmental, and developmental factors.
Figure
(Mathematics) A geometric form consisting of any combination of points, lines, or planes
A triangle is a plane figure.
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).
Figure
The outline, form, or silhouette of a thing
Saw the figure of a cat in the window.
Character
A person considered funny or eccentric
Catcalls from some character in the back row.
Figure
The shape or form of a human body
A fashion model with an attractive figure.
Character
A person portrayed in an artistic piece, such as a drama or novel.
Figure
An indistinct object or shape
The figures in the mist turned out to be lampposts.
Character
A person or animal portrayed with a personality in comics or animation
A cartoon character.
Figure
A person, especially a well-known one
A famous historical figure.
Character
Characterization in fiction or drama
A script that is weak in plot but strong in character.
Figure
Impression or appearance made
Cut a dashing figure at the reception.
Character
Status or role; capacity
In his character as the father.
Figure
A person, animal, or object that symbolizes something.
Character
A description of a person's attributes, traits, or abilities.
Figure
A pictorial or sculptural representation, especially of the human body.
Character
A formal written statement as to competency and dependability, given by an employer to a former employee; a recommendation.
Figure
A diagram
Drew a figure of the office layout.
Character
A mark or symbol used in a writing system.
Figure
A design or pattern, as in a textile
Silk with a paisley figure.
Character
A Chinese character.
Figure
An illustration printed from an engraved plate or block.
Character
One of a set of symbols, such as letters or numbers, that are arranged to express information.
Figure
A configuration or distinct group of steps in a dance.
Character
The numerical code representing such a character.
Figure
A pattern traced by a series of movements, as in ice skating.
Character
(Mathematics) The trace function of a representation.
Figure
(Music) A brief melodic or harmonic unit often constituting the basis of a larger phrase or structure.
Character
A style of printing or writing
"Here is the hand and seal of the Duke.
You know the character" (Shakespeare).
Figure
(Logic) Any one of the forms that a syllogism can take, given one of the four possible arrangements of the middle term.
Character
A cipher or code for secret writing.
Figure
(Mathematics) To calculate with numbers
Figured the sum to be nearly a million.
Character
Of or relating to one's character.
Figure
To make a likeness of; depict.
Character
Specializing in the interpretation of often minor roles that emphasize fixed personality traits or specific physical characteristics
A character actor.
Figure
To adorn with a design or figures.
Character
Of or relating to the interpretation of such roles by an actor
The character part of the hero's devoted mother.
Figure
To write a sequence of conventionalized numbers below or above (the bassline) to indicate harmony.
Character
Dedicated to the portrayal of a person with regard to distinguishing psychological or physical features
A character sketch.
Figure
To embellish with an ornamental pattern.
Character
To write, print, engrave, or inscribe.
Figure
To conclude, believe, or predict
I never figured that this would happen.
Character
To portray or describe; characterize.
Figure
To consider or regard
Figured them as con artists.
Character
(countable) A being involved in the action of a story.
Figure
(Mathematics) To calculate; compute.
Character
(countable) A distinguishing feature; characteristic; trait; phene.
A single locus governing the petal colour character was detected on the linkage group A2.
Figure
To be or seem important or prominent
A key fact that figures in our understanding of what happened.
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.
Figure
To be pertinent or involved
His advice barely figured in my decision.
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."
Figure
(Informal) To seem reasonable or expected
“I found my keys in the sofa.” “Well, that figures, given that you were sitting there last night.”.
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.
Figure
A drawing or diagram conveying information.
Character
(countable) A written or printed symbol, or letter.
Figure
The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modelling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body.
A figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble
Character
Style of writing or printing; handwriting; the particular form of letters used by a person or people.
An inscription in the Runic character
Figure
A person or thing representing a certain consciousness.
Character
A secret cipher; a way of writing in code.
Figure
The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person.
He cut a sorry figure standing there in the rain.
Character
One of the basic elements making up a text file or string: a code representing a printing character or a control character.
Figure
(obsolete) Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendour; show.
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.
Figure
A human figure, which dress or corset must fit to; the shape of a human body.
Character
A complex number representing an element of a finite Abelian group.
Figure
A numeral.
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
Figure
A number, an amount.
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.
Figure
A shape.
A geometrical figure, a plane figure, a solid figure
Character
A reference given to a servant, attesting to their behaviour, competence, etc.
Figure
A visible pattern as in wood or cloth.
The muslin was of a pretty figure.''
Character
Personal appearance.
Figure
Any complex dance moveW.
Character
(obsolete) To write (using characters); to describe.
Figure
A figure of speech.
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.
Figure
(logic) The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
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?
Figure
(astrology) A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses.
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.
Figure
(music) Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
Character
Strength of mind; resolution; independence; individuality; as, he has a great deal of character.
Figure
(music) A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a motif; a florid embellishment.
Character
Moral quality; the principles and motives that control the life; as, a man of character; his character saves him from suspicion.
Figure
To calculate, to solve a mathematical problem.
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.
Figure
To come to understand.
I can’t figure if he’s telling the truth or lying.
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.
Figure
To think, to assume, to suppose, to reckon.
Character
A written statement as to behavior, competency, etc., given to a servant.
Figure
To be reasonable.
It figures that somebody like him would be upset about the situation.
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.
Figure
(intransitive) To enter into; to be a part of.
Character
One of the persons of a drama or novel.
Figure
(obsolete) To represent by a figure, as to form or mould; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.
Character
To engrave; to inscribe.
These trees shall be my books.And in their barks my thoughts I 'll character.
Figure
To embellish with design; to adorn with figures.
Character
To distinguish by particular marks or traits; to describe; to characterize.
Figure
(obsolete) To indicate by numerals.
Character
An imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story);
She is the main character in the novel
Figure
To represent by a metaphor; to signify or symbolize.
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
Figure
(obsolete) To prefigure; to foreshow.
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
Figure
(music) To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
Character
An actor's portrayal of someone in a play;
She played the part of Desdemona
Figure
(music) To embellish.
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
Figure
The form of anything; shape; outline; appearance.
Flowers have all exquisite figures.
Character
Good repute;
He is a man of character
Figure
The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modeling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body; as, a figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble.
A coin that bears the figure of an angel.
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
Figure
A pattern in cloth, paper, or other manufactured article; a design wrought out in a fabric; as, the muslin was of a pretty figure.
Character
A written symbol that is used to represent speech;
The Greek alphabet has 24 characters
Figure
A diagram or drawing, made to represent a magnitude or the relation of two or more magnitudes; a surface or space inclosed on all sides; - called superficial when inclosed by lines, and solid when inclosed by surfaces; any arrangement made up of points, lines, angles, surfaces, etc.
Character
Engrave or inscribe characters on
Figure
The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person; as, a sorry figure.
I made some figure there.
Gentlemen of the best figure in the county.
Figure
Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendor; show.
That he may live in figure and indulgence.
Figure
A character or symbol representing a number; a numeral; a digit; as, 1, 2,3, etc.
Figure
Value, as expressed in numbers; price; as, the goods are estimated or sold at a low figure.
With nineteen thousand a year at the very lowest figure.
Figure
A person, thing, or action, conceived of as analogous to another person, thing, or action, of which it thus becomes a type or representative.
Who is the figure of Him that was to come.
Figure
A mode of expressing abstract or immaterial ideas by words which suggest pictures or images from the physical world; pictorial language; a trope; hence, any deviation from the plainest form of statement. Also called a figure of speech.
To represent the imagination under the figure of a wing.
Figure
The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
Figure
Any one of the several regular steps or movements made by a dancer.
Figure
A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses.
Figure
Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
Figure
A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a musical phrase or motive; a florid embellishment.
Figure
To represent by a figure, as to form or mold; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.
If love, alas! be pain I bear,
No thought can figure, and no tongue declare.Prior.
Figure
To embellish with design; to adorn with figures.
The vaulty top of heavenFigured quite o'er with burning meteors.
Figure
To indicate by numerals; also, to compute.
As through a crystal glass the figured hours are seen.
Figure
To represent by a metaphor; to signify or symbolize.
Whose white vestments figure innocence.
Figure
To prefigure; to foreshow.
In this the heaven figures some event.
Figure
To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
Figure
To make a figure; to be distinguished or conspicious; as, the envoy figured at court.
Sociable, hospitable, eloquent, admired, figuring away brilliantly.
Figure
To calculate; to contrive; to scheme; as, he is figuring to secure the nomination.
Figure
A diagram or picture illustrating textual material;
The area covered can be seen from Figure 2
Figure
Alternative names for the body of a human being;
Leonardo studied the human body
He has a strong physique
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
Figure
One of the elements that collectively form a system of numbers;
0 and 1 are digits
Figure
A model of a bodily form (especially of a person);
He made a figure of Santa Claus
Figure
A well-known or notable person;
They studied all the great names in the history of France
She is an important figure in modern music
Figure
A combination of points and lines and planes that form a visible palpable shape
Figure
An amount of money expressed numerically;
A figure of $17 was suggested
Figure
The impression produced by a person;
He cut a fine figure
A heroic figure
Figure
The property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals;
He had a number of chores to do
The number of parameters is small
The figure was about a thousand
Figure
Language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense
Figure
A unitary percept having structure and coherence that is the object of attention and that stands out against a ground
Figure
A decorative or artistic work;
The coach had a design on the doors
Figure
A predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating;
She made the best score on compulsory figures
Figure
Judge to be probable
Figure
Be or play a part of or in;
Elections figure prominently in every government program
How do the elections figure in the current pattern of internal politics?
Figure
Imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind;
I can't see him on horseback!
I can see what will happen
I can see a risk in this strategy
Figure
Make a mathematical calculation or computation
Figure
Understand;
He didn't figure her
Common Curiosities
How do characters and figures contribute to learning?
Characters enrich narrative understanding and empathy, while figures facilitate logical reasoning, quantitative analysis, and historical knowledge.
Can a character also be a figure?
Yes, a character from literature or history can become a figure if they hold significant cultural or historical importance.
What makes a figure important in mathematics?
Figures such as geometric shapes are crucial for understanding spatial relationships, properties of space, and foundational concepts in geometry.
How does a character influence a story?
Characters drive the plot, engage readers emotionally, and convey the themes and moral questions explored in the narrative.
Can figures change in significance over time?
Yes, as contexts and societal values evolve, the significance of historical or public figures can change, reflecting contemporary perspectives.
What determines a character's integrity?
A character's integrity is determined by their moral and ethical qualities, actions, and decisions, reflecting their core values and principles.
Why are historical figures important?
Historical figures are essential for understanding past events, movements, and societal changes, offering insights into human history and cultural development.
Is the interpretation of characters subjective?
Yes, interpretations of characters can vary based on readers' perspectives, experiences, and the cultural context, adding depth to literary analysis.
How are figures used in data analysis?
Figures represent numerical data, aiding in the visualization, interpretation, and communication of quantitative information.
How do characters and figures differ in representation?
Characters are depicted through narrative descriptions and development, while figures are represented through numerical, graphical, or physical forms.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
