Characteristic is primarily recognizable. So called certain character traits, manners, habits, customs, situations, etc. Special people are also often called characteristic. In addition, this word is sometimes used in a more direct sense, denoting the hard and stubborn nature of a person.
Characteristic is what?
This word means something that is peculiar only to a certain object or group of objects. The emphasis in it is placed on the letter "e". A hairstyle, a manner of speaking or a manner of dressing, a habit, a look, tin, etc. can be characteristic. The question of which characteristic feature a particular person has is usually quite easy to answer. At the same time, the answer will contain some kind of feature that is not peculiar to anyone else.
Character actors
So called actors with a pronounced character, role. Usually they play secondary, but very recognizable roles, despite the fact that the images of the characters they play are repeated from time to time. However, it is worth noting that the emphasis in this word is placed on the second letter "a", and it is read as "harAkterny".
How is this concept applied in practice? An actor with a refined and strict, stereotypically aristocratic appearance is likely to be often invited to the secondary roles of aristocrats (for example, Charles Dance). A plump middle-aged actress with a recognizable appearance will be doomed to play quarrelsome, gloomy housewives (an example is Katie Bates). However, the last example proves that such actors are quite in demand and often receive an Oscar for well-played roles.
Characteristic person
This word is sometimes called people with a strong inner core. As in the previous case, the emphasis here is placed on the second letter "a". They are stubborn, stubborn and persistent. Their character is solid, like stone, and sharp, like steel. Such personalities are usually hard to miss, because they attract people with their strengths who are weaker and more driven. However, they do not have to be leaders at all. The main thing for a typical person is the ability to make decisions.
The main thing is not to confuse these three meanings of the same word and understand that they have different stresses. It is the difference in stress that avoids confusion.