“The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.”

“A good novelist does not lead his characters, he follows them. A good novelist does not create events, he watches them happen and then writes down what he sees.”

Stephen King book Finders Keepers

“Perhaps it is not true that “a man becomes what he dreams”; but if he does not dream, what kind of a man is he?”

Fausto Cercignani (1941) Italian scholar, essayist and poet

“The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character.”

Margaret Chase Smith (1897–1995) Member of the United States Senate from Maine

“A character is what he does, yes - but even more, a character is what he means to do.”

Orson Scott Card (1951) American science fiction novelist

“True character stands the test of emergencies. Do not be mistaken, it is weakness from which the awakening is rude.”

Napoleon I of France (1769–1821) French general, First Consul and later Emperor of the French

“[watching a character's ridiculous idle animation] "Who—? Nobody—Nobody does that!"”

TotalBiscuit (1984–2018) British game commentator

“Sounis had been thinking of Ambiades. "He would have been a better man under different circumstances."
Gen looked at him. "True enough," he said. "But does a good man let his circumstances determine his character?”

Megan Whalen Turner book A Conspiracy of Kings

“Truth does not need argument, agreement, theories or beliefs. There is only one test for it and that is to ask yourself 'Is the statement true or false in my experience?”

Barry Long (1926–2003) Australian spiritual teacher and writer

“You can judge a man's true character by the way he treats his fellow animals.”

Paul McCartney (1942) English singer-songwriter and composer