Theory

Dictionary defines character as the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. Everyone has character. Character is composed of traits, or qualities, that are distinctive to an individual. It is those character qualities or traits that determine a person’s response in any given situation. For example, a person with the character quality of tolerance will be more accepting of others. Good character traits are built around high morals, great values and ethical standards. Some of the traits which build a person with good character may include honesty, integrity, dependability, loyalty etc. Character is the inner worth of a person. The measure of money, the magnitude of position and the powers you enjoy are not matters which determine your character. Your character is the factor which ultimately decides your success in life. In fact one’s conduct is the best proof of his character. Crisis or adversity lets us know whether a person stands by his character traits or will compromise.

Story

Harper has the habit of testing his luck. Well, how can one test one’s luck? Harper always feels that the best way to test one’s luck is to keep on purchasing lottery tickets every month and then watch out for the results. It has been more than 10 years since Harper is having a try at his luck. Nothing really worthy that could make Harper lucky has turned up in his life.  “Seasons keep on changing, but you buy lottery tickets without any reason”, says Harpers wife.

Harper’s wife Maggi used to nag Harper calling him “Crazy lottery Harper”.  According to her, Harper was virtually draining hard earned money because of his craze for lottery.

Once, the boys of the neighbourhood came to Maggi, to spare some coins for a worthy cause. The boys were doing a fund collection to repair certain broken chairs of the garden club and they wanted everyone in the neighbourhood to contribute something. Magi went inside the house to find if she could find some coins towards the fund. She searched from cupboards to side tables but could not trace out any money. But she really wanted to donate something. After minutes of search, she came out to inform the boys that she did not find any coins. But just as she was telling that she could not trace coins in her house, with a delight in her eyes, she said that she would not allow the boys to go empty handed from her house. While searching for coins, she had come across Harper’s lottery ticket of the month in one of the racks. She moved back to the room and returned with the lottery ticket and a smile. The boys looked amused. “Take this lottery ticket and try your luck”, said Maggi. The boys chuckled and later laughed. However, Joe the leader of the team accepted the ticket, thanked her and put the ticket safely in his pockets, before they left her.

Weeks passed and the results were out in the local newspaper. Harper went to the rack to pick up his lottery ticket and measure his luck quotient. This time, he could not find the ticket. He enquired and Maggi burst into laughter saying that his lottery ticket was her donation for the neighbourhood boys. Harper was stoic and he went down to the arm chair to rest. The evening of the day came after long hours and all was as usual in the house.

The clock needle which was having its merry go round is believed to have reached 8 at night, when Joe from the neighbourhood came running in with the lottery ticket to hand it back to Harper. Joe thrust the lottery ticket into the hands of Harper and said, “Uncle, you are the winner, the first price running to millions is yours. You have won the lottery.” As the eyes of Maggi started welling up, Harper refused to accept the lottery ticket. Harper said, “This lottery ticket is yours Joe and you are the winner. My wife had given it you and it’s yours”. Joe did not agree, he said “It’s your ticket uncle, and you’re the winner.”

Let us not bother how this story ends, but both Harper and Joe have strength of character, beyond the measure of money.

Activity

1. Write down three core character traits that you already poses.

a.

b.

c.

2. Write down two character traits which you would like to acquire.

a.

b.

Quote

“Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it, but the tree is the real thing”- Abraham Lincoln

Take Away

1.  Character is the factor which ultimately decides your success in life.

2. Imbibe great character traits and enhance your inner worth.