Character vs. characteristic

Question

Showing respect for other members on the team is considered a ___ of a good leader.
(A) character
(B) characteristic
Answer: (B)

why is the choice (A) ruled out? Doesn't it also mean 'a prominent part' or 'a feature' as the word 'characteristic'?

Ivanhr · Accepted Answer

"character", unlike characteristic, is never used to describe a single feature. You can say things like "This man/woman/place has character, and the word here refers to all the features that makes this man, woman or place interesting and different. When you're refering to a single trait or feature that someone or something has use "characteristic".

Besides, "character" is normally uncountable whereas "characteristic" is countable so the "a" in your example gives a pretty good clue as to which of the two words should be used,

Moon7296 · Answer

Hi,
Your answer quenches my thirst!

Still, I'm not hundred percent sure what should fit in this sentence.

One of the most interesting facts about myths is that ones from a diversity of cultures often share similar themes and characteristics.

Q) I think characteristics is way natural than characters. But according to your answer, characters can also be an option because, like you said below, there can be some two features, not individual but two broad concepts, that make myth. Does it not make sense?

Ivanhr"character", unlike characteristic, is never used to describe a single feature. You can say things like "This man/woman/place has character, and the word here refers to all the features that makes this man, woman or place interesting and different.

Ivanhr · Answer

Only "charcteristics" works there. The word characteristic means 'feature' or 'quality'.

'character' is similar to 'charisma' but probably to a lesser degree.

Character vs. characteristic

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