Noun

The power to affect, control or manipulate something or someone; the ability to change the development of fluctuating things such as conduct, thoughts or decisions.

* {{quote-magazine, date=2013-07-26, author=(Leo Hickman)

, volume=189, issue=7, page=26, magazine=(The Guardian Weekly) , title= How algorithms rule the world , passage=The use of algorithms in policing is one example of their increasing influence on our lives. And, as their ubiquity spreads, so too does the debate around whether we should allow ourselves to become so reliant on them – and who, if anyone, is policing their use.}}

An action exerted by a person or thing with such power on another to cause change.

A person or thing exerting such power or action.

* {{quote-magazine, year=2013, month=May-June, author= Katrina G. Claw

, title= Rapid Evolution in Eggs and Sperm , volume=101, issue=3, magazine=(American Scientist) , passage=Many genes with reproductive roles also have antibacterial and immune functions, which indicate that the threat of microbial attack on the sperm or egg may be a major influence on rapid evolution during reproduction.}}

(astrology) An element believed to determine someone's character or individual tendencies, caused by the position of the stars and planets at the time of one's birth.

(obsolete) The action of flowing in; influx.

* Hooker

God hath his influence into the very essence of all things.

(electricity) Electrostatic induction.

Noun

A being involved in the action of a story.

*

, title=(The Celebrity), chapter=1 , passage=The stories did not seem to me to touch life. […] They left me with the impression of a well-delivered stereopticon lecture, with characters about as life-like as the shadows on the screen, and whisking on and off, at the mercy of the operator.}}

* {{quote-news, year=2012, date=April 26, author=Tasha Robinson, work=The Onion AV Club

, title= Film: Reviews: The Pirates! Band Of Misfits , passage=But Pirates! comes with all the usual Aardman strengths intact, particularly the sense that its characters and creators alike are too good-hearted and sweet to nitpick. The ambition is all in the craft rather than in the storytelling, but it’s hard to say no to the proficiency of that craft, or the mild good cheer behind it. }}

A distinguishing feature; characteristic.

A complex of mental and ethical traits marking a person or a group.

* Motley

a man of thoroughly subservient character

*

, title=(The Celebrity), chapter=3 , passage=Now all this was very fine, but not at all in keeping with the Celebrity's character as I had come to conceive it. The idea that adulation ever cloyed on him was ludicrous in itself. In fact I thought the whole story fishy, and came very near to saying so.}}

Strength of mind; resolution; independence; individuality; moral strength.

He has a great deal of character .

A unique or extraordinary individual; a person characterized by peculiar or notable traits, especially charisma.

Julius Caesar is a great historical character .

A written or printed symbol, or letter.

* Holder

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.

Style of writing or printing; handwriting; the particular form of letters used by a person or people.

an inscription in the Runic character

* Shakespeare

You know the character to be your brother's?

(computing) One of the basic elements making up a text file or string: a code representing a printing character or a control character.

(informal) A person or individual, especially one who is unknown or raises suspicions.

(mathematics) A complex number representing an element of a finite Abelian group.

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

(dated) 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 .

* Addison

This subterraneous passage is much mended since Seneca gave so bad a character of it.

(dated) A reference given to a servant, attesting to his/her behaviour, competence, etc.