What is a character trait?

A character trait refers to a quality or characteristic that defines a character's personality, which is precisely why this answer is correct. Character traits inform readers about a character’s motivations, behaviors, and feelings, giving depth to the character and helping to drive the story forward.

Understanding character traits is essential for analyzing literature and narratives, as they reveal the complexities of characters and influence their interactions with other characters and the plot. Traits can range from being honest, brave, and kind to being deceitful, selfish, or cowardly.

The other options do not capture the essence of a character trait. For example, a physical description of a character pertains to their appearance rather than their internal qualities, while the setting relates to the environment where the story takes place. The actions a character takes can indicate character traits but do not define them outright. Hence, focusing on characteristics that define personality is the most accurate understanding of what a character trait entails.