The Character of Character

9/3/2025

Daily Literary Quote
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Journal Prompt
What does Dr. King mean by the famous quote above? What is character? Can it be seen? How does “character” relate to fictional “characters”? Provide specific examples.

3 Comments

Tarren DeFord

9/3/2025 10:44:46 am

by "character" Dr. King is referring to what makes people who they are, their character cant physically be seen like how somebody's skin may be, but it can be seen in their actions and how they treat those around them. what he is trying to convey is that it is unjust for people to be judged just because their skin color is different and that it should be based off of action. for example, we shouldn't judge somebody and assume they are a bad person because they are black or white, and should judge somebody based on something like if they treat other people in a poor or positive manor.

Kellen

9/3/2025 10:45:11 am

I believe that character is how people express themselves. It can be seen but is can change because people can hide it from others and shield it with fake expressions. The difference between characters in a TV show versus the real life people you see every day is that the ones on TV train themselves to be different in front of a camera but the people you might see everyday show this like normally are vocal about there thoughts.

Hailey

9/3/2025 10:48:29 am

Dr. King means he hopes for a future where people of different races/skin will coexist, only being judged for their attitude and personality.

Character is what defines a person. It is the basis of their morals and beliefs, as well as personality and how they treat other people. In this way, Character absolutely can be seen on the outside.

Character relates to fictional characters in that they are both a "character" (the individual) and have character (what makes the character themself). Characters have distinct personalities and traits that differentiate them from others, which is evident in how they present themselves and how/what others (characters) think about/of them.

The Character of Character

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