Character is a word from which have descended two meanings diametrically opposed to each other.

We say a man has a character, or we say he is one; The first signifies respect; the second, a tolerant contempt.

There exists in all small communities, such as villages, towns, and cities of the third class, what is known as a character.

In the cities he is found loafing in hotel lobbies or in the corridors of the City Hall; in the hamlet he is usually the orator of the post-office or the corner grocery.

Invariably his wife takes in washing, and once in a while he secures for her an extra order.